Stem cell therapy for shoulder injuries

The human body is made up of billions of specialized cells that form specific organs such as the brain, skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and bones. Each day these cells go through a degenerative and regenerative process. As older cells die, new cells are born from stem cells with the unique ability to create multiple types of other cells. However, when tissues are injured, the degenerative process overcomes this regenerative process, resulting in structures that become weaker, more painful and less functional. While there are several types of stem cells, those that best promote musculoskeletal healing (tendon, ligament, cartilage and bone) are found in the bone marrow. These mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, are essential for successful patient outcomes and in StemCell ARTS, we use the patented Regenexx® stem cell protocol, which is capable of producing much higher concentrations of these important cells.

It is widely known and reported in the literature that shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tears, tend to heal slowly and the management of glenoid labrum tears, subacromial impingement and degenerative arthritic shoulder can be a challenge. Therefore, research into biological treatments for these conditions is underway. This includes exploring the effect in the laboratory and OR of various types of stem cells on healing when injected or used to increase arthroscopic or open surgery.

The approach to stem cell therapy is controversial, according to sources who spoke with Orthopedics Today. Stem cells injected into the shoulder or introduced during open or arthroscopic surgery, for example, can be expensive and many insurance plans may not cover them. In addition, the effectiveness of cell therapy for these indications is not proven to a large extent. Ultimately, this may mean that some patients will have to undergo traditional treatment later and, therefore, resist two or more treatments for the same condition, the sources said.

Now we know that we have the surgical techniques and equipment to firmly attach the tendon of the rotator cuff to the bone so that the mechanical environment is strong. What is missing is the biological environment to help heal the rotator cuff and that is where stem cells, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and biological factors have been associated to improve cure rates, improve patient satisfaction patient and improve function and postoperative strength.