Here are five key developments in stem cell treatments for spine and orthopedics.
A study published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine found that an injection of human amniotic fluid stem cells can be used to protect the spinal cord of a fetus from myelomeningocele. The study showed that in utero therapy with hAFSCs may be effective in treating fetal myelomeningocele.
John Tierney, DO, used Anika Therapeutics' injectable hyaluronic acid-based bone repair product in a patient. Anika designed the product to treat bone voids and other bone defects caused by trauma or age-related degeneration. The company will launch the therapy commercially in September.
A group of orthobiologics experts established a Delphi panel process to set treatment standards for an outpatient stem cell procedure known as bone marrow concentrate. The panel will break down practice items such as informed consent, the use of image guidance and treatment registry, publishing results and advertising.
Chad Kurtenbach, MD, of Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health is conducting a study of a stem cell treatment for patients with osteoarthritis in the knee. The study's goal is to determine if stem cells are effective in treating arthritis, which would delay the need for invasive treatments such as knee replacements.
Richard Kim, MD, is using stem cells to help relieve patient pain at his private practice in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. He's using platelet-rich plasma injections in an array of orthopedic procedures.