John Szivek, PhD, senior scientist at the University of Arizona Arthritis Center in Tucson, led the research team in developing a stem cell technique for stimulating cartilage growth in arthritic knees using the patient's fat cells, according to a local ABC KGUN news report.
Physicians extract the fat tissue using a procedure similar to liposuction and then harvest the stem cells. The stems cells are then placed on a scaffold developed by the UA Arthritis Center team.
During the procedure, 3D images from CT scans reconstruct the exact match of the patient's bone structure, allowing physicians to place the scaffold into the damaged part of the knee for new cartilage growth. Incisions for this procedure are smaller than the incisions made for total joint replacement.
Dr. Szivek says it could be years before this procedure is available to patients.
Read the KGUN report on treatment for arthritic knees using stem cells.
Read other coverage on biologics in orthopedic surgery:
- Spine Surgery Research Update: Biologics in Spine Surgery
- Developing the Future: Biologic Knee Replacement
- Study: Biologic Knee Replacement Could Most Efficiently Slow Arthritis Progression
Physicians extract the fat tissue using a procedure similar to liposuction and then harvest the stem cells. The stems cells are then placed on a scaffold developed by the UA Arthritis Center team.
During the procedure, 3D images from CT scans reconstruct the exact match of the patient's bone structure, allowing physicians to place the scaffold into the damaged part of the knee for new cartilage growth. Incisions for this procedure are smaller than the incisions made for total joint replacement.
Dr. Szivek says it could be years before this procedure is available to patients.
Read the KGUN report on treatment for arthritic knees using stem cells.
Read other coverage on biologics in orthopedic surgery:
- Spine Surgery Research Update: Biologics in Spine Surgery
- Developing the Future: Biologic Knee Replacement
- Study: Biologic Knee Replacement Could Most Efficiently Slow Arthritis Progression