top of page

Fat cells of the joints

Writer's picture: Dr,MustafaDr,Mustafa

Fat cells for joints


There are many treatment methods for patients with osteoarthritis in general, and we have previously explained a number of these methods and the principle of each method (details in the link). However, the development of regenerative medicine has provided a radically different option from all these previous methods by injecting fat rich in stem cells extracted from the same patient. The radical difference lies in the fact that injecting autologous fat rich in stem cells is a natural way to stimulate the healing of damaged cartilage and tissues in the joint, by using the patient's own cells as occurs naturally inside the body in various organs of the body. This cannot be achieved through other different methods for treating osteoarthritis. This modern technique has spread and has become available and is used in the United States of America, Europe, Australia, Korea, Japan and many other countries.


What is fat injection rich in stem cells for joints?


It is considered one of the latest methods used in treating osteoarthritis, and it is done by extracting a small amount of fat under local anesthesia, and separating the fatty tissue rich in stem cells in a special way, then injecting it into the damaged joint to stimulate the process of repairing the cartilage and damaged tissues in the joint. This method depends on the body's restoration of itself, through the ability of self-stem cells to restore tissues and scientifically proven to be able to restore and rebuild the damaged part of that joint.


Is fat injection safe? Are there any side effects?


This treatment technique is characterized by being the safest and most secure of all stem cell applications. It is:


Safe: Because there is no donor, and therefore there is no immune rejection of the injected cells, and there is no infection from one person to another.


Safe: Because there is no reproduction and laboratory cultivation, as the cells are injected on the same day and during the same procedure, and therefore there is no possibility of cancerous changes to the cells or germs occurring during the cultivation.

Safe: Because it is not injected systemically (through the vein or through the spinal cord), but is injected locally inside the joint capsule, it works to renew tissues inside the joint and has no systemic effects.


However, the process of removing fat from the abdominal wall may sometimes lead to subcutaneous cyanosis resulting from slight bleeding from the capillaries during the procedure. This bleeding is considered a mild surgical bruise, which is painless and disappears completely without any side effects within a few days.


What are the cases treated?


Early and moderate osteoarthritis (knee joint, hip joint, shoulder joint, ankle joint, acromioclavicular joint) and some advanced cases in which there is no complete absence of the cartilaginous surface.


Sports injuries in young and middle-aged people that may occur as a result of a sports injury or trauma for non-athletes.


If you suffer from osteoarthritis that limits your normal daily work and usual physical activities and has not responded to traditional treatments and has not seen a noticeable improvement (such as anti-inflammatory drugs and others).

If you have a grade II or III meniscus tear or degeneration and are advised to undergo arthroscopy, this method may give you a chance to heal without resorting to arthroscopy and its potential risks.

Patellar Roughness or Degeneration.


This procedure is not suitable for your condition in the following cases:


If the degree of roughness is very advanced and there is a complete or almost complete absence of the cartilage surface (details on the link).

You suffer from systemic, immune or blood diseases.

You suffer from a malignant tumor.

You are pregnant.


Why autologous fat?


There is no need for a donor (such as umbilical cord blood and placenta).

There is no risk of rejection of the injected cells.

There is no risk of infection and transmission of bacterial or viral diseases.

There is no need for storage, preservation or laboratory multiplication, as the process of isolating mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue is done in the laboratory within about two hours and they are injected directly into the patient.

The abundance of adipose tissue and the ease of obtaining it from the same patient without exposing him to any significant risks.

One of the best sources rich in stem cells, as it was found that the amount of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) present in 1 gram of adipose tissue is equivalent to more than 500 times what is present in 1 gram of bone marrow.

Stem cells in adipose tissue are not affected or significantly reduced with age as in other sources such as bone marrow.


What are the steps for fat injection into joints


Fat is withdrawn from the abdominal wall under local anesthesia and using a needle. The amount of fat withdrawn varies according to the number of joints to be injected. It may range from 200 to 600 grams.

The adipose tissue is separated and purified from blood and impurities, and is treated in a special way to exclude unwanted cells.

Injecting autologous fat rich in stem cells into the joint to be treated, and the injection may be done under imaging depending on the joint.

The entire procedure takes about two hours or so, and the patient does not need to convalesce or take a long time to recover to resume his activities. However, the patient is advised to reduce his activities and not strain the joint during the four weeks following the procedure, in order to give the joint the greatest possible opportunity to rest and heal. The patient needs to follow up between 6 months to 12 months for re-evaluation.

Stem Cell-Rich Fat Injection for Knee and Joint Osteoarthritis Steps for Autologous Stem Cell-Rich Fat Injection into the Joint


Post-Injection


This procedure does not hinder the patient's normal life and usual activities.

The patient may need to follow physical therapy sessions as a secondary treatment for the injection, depending on the strength of the muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint.

The response may vary from patient to patient and supportive doses may be given to the patient to activate the cells during the follow-up period of 6 to 12 months.

Is this procedure recognized and scientifically proven?

Yes, this technique is approved by food and drug authorities in developed countries, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and also in a number of Arab countries in the Middle East.

3 views0 comments

Comments


ADDRESS

Al-Saadi Street - Civilization Medical Complex - Next to Basra Health Department - Opposite Kia, Basra, Iraq

OPENING HOURS

Saturday - Thursday  : 4:00pm – 9:00pm    Friday : 9:00am – 2:00pm

SUBSCRIBE TO JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

Thanks for submitting!

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok

© 2024 by Dr.Mustafa Wameedh Clinic. Powered and secured by IKONEX

bottom of page