STEM CELL THERAPY FOR HIPS
IN DENVER
IN DENVER
Hip replacement and hip repair surgeries have increased dramatically over the years and have even become more common among younger people. However, surgery is not the only solution. At Denver Regenerative Medicine, we offer stem cell therapy for hip joints as a safe and effective alternative to hip replacement or surgery. Stem cells can morph into other types of cells that are needed to repair a damaged hip joint.
Stem cell therapy for hip joints is an outpatient procedure that takes approximately 3 hours in our outpatient clinic to complete. The process begins with the removal of stem cells from the patient, along with a blood draw to isolate the platelets, also referred to as PRP. Once these stem cells and platelets are isolated and concentrated, we reintroduce those cells into the areas of the hip that require repair. That might include damaged cartilage, ligaments, or bone. At Denver Regenerative Medicine, we use a unique combination of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells (MSC’s), as well as adipose-derived stem cells that we harvest from patient’s abdominal fat, which are combined with the platelets (PRP) to produce the most profound regenerative effect on the hip joint and surrounding tissues.
Once injected into the hip joint, the stem cells will begin restoring the damaged areas of the hip. The PRP, which contains many growth factors, will act as a stimulate for the stem cells, helping to increase their healing potential. After the injection, patients can go home immediately.
HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY vs. STEM CELL THERAPY FOR HIP PAIN OR HIP INJURIES
Hip surgery often requires patients to stay in a hospital overnight for several days and is followed by several months of painful physical therapy. With a hip replacement, patients are advised to avoid certain movements such as bending and twisting for up to 12 months. And even after a patient’s hip joint has healed, patients may not be permitted to do certain high-impact activities such as sports, jogging, and dancing.
With Stem Cell therapy for hips, in most cases, patients can resume their active lifestyles without any restrictions or the need for extensive physical therapy. Typically, patients will begin to see a response from the stem cells in about three to four weeks following the procedure. After that, patients will experience a significant reduction in pain while regaining mobility of their hip joints in the next several weeks as the stem cells continue to restore the hip joint.1
HOW MANY STEM CELL TREATMENTS WILL I NEED FOR MY HIP TO HEAL?
Most hip joint injuries typically require only a single stem cell injection for repair. However, for more severe injuries in the hip joint, additional injections become necessary. In these cases, we administer additional PRP into the hip joint 2-3 months after the first injection to stimulate the stem cells initially injected. This approach often induces the necessary healing effect in instances of severe joint damage.
ADULT STEM CELLS HARVESTED FROM YOUR OWN BONE MARROW
Our procedure requires us to take a concentrated sample of stem cells from the patient’s bone marrow, where the body harbors adult stem cells. These stem cells undertake the task of repairing damaged tissue and initiating repairs in the body when necessary. Generally, adult stem cell therapies pose no risk to patients because the cells originate from their own bodies.
MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS FROM FAT
We also derive stem cells from adult fat tissue to heal the hip joint. Known as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), these adult stem cells possess many of the same regenerative properties as those from bone marrow but also exhibit unique important qualities. These adult fat-derived stem cells are young, capable of multiplying, and can differentiate into various cell types. This means they not only stimulate bone marrow stem cells but also multiply themselves, amplifying their positive effects on the hip joint.
HOW SAFE IS STEM CELL THERAPY FOR HIPS?
Stem cell therapy for hip joints is a safe alternative to hip replacement or surgery. Stem cells and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are biological components that already exist in the human body. Because we harvest the stem cells and PRP for the patient’s blood instead of other sources, there is virtually no risk of rejection or harm to the patient’s health. Furthermore, the procedure is done by a board-certified Medical Doctor with over 30 years of experience injecting hip joints.
HIP JOINT CONDITIONS TREATED BY STEM CELL THERAPY
At Denver Regenerative Medicine, we have been treating hips with stem cell therapy for almost a decade. The various injuries and conditions include but are not limited to:
- Hip Joint Arthritis
- Osteonecrosis of the femoral head
- Ligament injuries, tears, and ruptures
- Muscle strains and tears including the Hamstring
- TFL strain/sprain
STEM CELL TREATMENT FOR HIP ARTHRITIS
Hip arthritis, one of the most common causes of hip pain, occurs when the cartilage between the bones of the hip joint wears away. While it can affect anyone, advanced age, sex, being overweight, bone deformities, or certain diseases can increase an individual’s risk. Genetic factors, along with repeated stress or injury to a joint, can also heighten a person’s overall risk of developing hip arthritis.
In treating hip arthritis, stem cells express anti-inflammatory and pro-growth signals, fostering an environment suitable for tissue regeneration and wound healing. Researchers also believe that stem cells can suppress tissue degradation, prompting the body to produce more cartilage cells and, consequently, increase cartilage.
STEM CELL THERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF LABRAL TEARS TO THE HIP
A hip labral tear occurs when the labrum, the ring of cartilage around the hip joint socket that provides stability to the joint, suffers a tear. Athletes are particularly prone to hip labral tears, as are people with hip deformities resulting from genetic conditions and/or disease. Arthroscopic surgery is often recommended for these types of injuries which do not improve with rest or physical therapy. The surgery involves the removal of areas of the labrum. Such removal, however, often affects overall hip stability, leaving a patient especially prone to additional injury and/or the worsening of arthritic hip issues.2
A better alternative to surgery can be to use stem cells to help regenerate and repair labral tissue. If you are suffering from a hip labral tear or suspect that you may have this condition, please contact Denver Regenerative Medicine to set up a consultation.
1 “Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in the Treatment of Hip Osteoarthritis,” Journal of Hip Preservation Surgery, Volume 4, Issue 2, July 2017, Pages 159–163
Rodrigo Mardones, Claudio M. Jofré, L. Tobar, José J. Minguell
https://doi.org/10.1093/jhps/hnx011
https://academic.oup.com/jhps/article/4/2/159/3074996
2 “Management of Hip Labral Tears in Athletes: An Evidence-Based Review of the Literature,”
Review Article Volume 4 Issue 3 – May 2018 DOI: 10.19080/JPFMTS.2018.04.555636 J Phy Fit Treatment & Sports
Walid Ben Nafa, School of Health Sciences, The University of Salford, UK; Department of Trauma & Orthopaedics, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, UK
https://juniperpublishers.com/jpfmts/pdf/JPFMTS.MS.ID.555636.pdf