Prp And Stem Cell Therapy And Stem Cell Therapies In Orthopedics And Traumatology

The most important efforts of doctors today are the desire for aging people to remain physically and mentally active and continue to contribute to society. Younger patients participate in more physically demanding sports activities, resulting in injuries that require biological solutions to keep them active throughout their lives. Significant benefits have been obtained from the biomechanical solutions of the last 50 years, with the use of more advanced medical equipment for joint prostheses, and more precise and computer-aided surgical techniques. However, prostheses have a certain lifespan due to loosening or other failures in the prosthesis, and increasing problems for the patient create situations that may require more surgery.

• What is PRP Treatment?

PRP and stem cell (Platelet Rich Plasma), also known as Platelet Rich Plasma, is a method prepared from one's own blood and used to stimulate and regulate healing in many areas of medicine. With the help of dozens of PRP and stem cell preparation kits in use, 10-60 ml of blood is taken from the patient's arm vein, this blood is separated with disposable special filters and centrifuge devices and the unwanted parts are removed. The separated 2-6 ml portion contains platelet-rich plasma and is applied in many musculoskeletal injuries. The main job of platelets is to form the clot that stops the bleeding that occurs as soon as an injury occurs. In addition, they contain dozens of growth factors that contribute to tissue repair and healing. When these growth factors are given to the medium,

The difference of stem cell therapy is that it is taken from the patient's pelvis rich in stem cells or from the abdominal fat tissue with a special needle under local (regional) anesthesia. It is superior in terms of effectiveness and it is the biggest advantage of being completed in a single session.

• What is Stem Cell (Autologous Cell) Therapy?

Stem cells are cells that have the capacity for self-renewal and the ability to transform into various types of tissue under appropriate conditions. While stem cells in the fetus have the ability to differentiate into many tissue types in the womb, differentiation of adult stem cells is usually limited to the tissue they are in, and some have the ability to change and become very strong under appropriate conditions. This is true for adult stem cells found in bone marrow, skin, adipose tissue, and many other tissues. These cells can transform into other tissues originating from bone, cartilage, tendon, ligament, adipose tissue. Since the patient's own cells are used in their application, there is no problem with the immune system or allergies. These cells, which can be obtained from bone marrow, fat and skin tissues, are cartilage, bone, muscle, tendon, They are very strong cells that can differentiate into ligaments and fat. This has allowed scientists to study the biology of these cells so that they can be suitably transformed into desired tissues with appropriate biological and mechanical properties. It seems that it will be possible to biologically repair major defects in bone and cartilage with appropriate growth factors.

• In Which Diseases Are PRP AND STEM CELL Effective?

PRP and stem cells have been applied in different fields of general surgery, plastic surgery and orthopedics. Among these, orthopedic uses can be summarized under several headings.

Tennis Elbow:

Tennis elbow, which is a painful condition caused by excessive use of the arm and hand, is common in people involved in racquet sports, but can also occur frequently in individuals who do repetitive and challenging work with the wrist.

The first symptom of tennis elbow is elbow pain that starts slowly and increases gradually. 79-93% successful results have been obtained with PRP and stem cell applications in daily tennis elbow. This rate is better than the results obtained with cortisone application, which is an older treatment method, and the disadvantages of cortisone application are avoided.

Achilles Tendon Injuries:

Approximately 80% successful results have been reported with PRP and stem cell applications. In this patient group, PRP and stem cells should be preferred in cases where adequate results cannot be obtained with rest, drugs and physical therapy methods.

Heel Spur:

PRP and stem cells should be preferred in cases where adequate results cannot be obtained with rest, the use of appropriate insoles, drugs and physical therapy methods. Successful results of over 80% have been reported in publications. Continuing the described treatments after PRP and stem cell application further increases the chance of success.

Knee Ligament Injuries:

There are plenty of studies showing that PRP and stem cell injections result in faster recovery and return to sports in a shorter time after collateral ligament injuries, which are common in athletes.

Muscle Injuries:

It has been reported that there is a faster recovery with PRP and stem cell injections in muscle tears or intramuscular hemorrhages seen after various strains. Athletes who have these practices can return to sports much faster.

Knee Calcification (Gonarthrosis):

It has been reported that in the early stages of calcification in the knee joint, PRP and stem cell injections reduce the pain of the patients and improve their functions for 6 months. In comparative studies, it has been shown that PRP injections are superior to intra-knee hyaluronic acid (cartilage vitamins) injections.

Shoulder Muscle Injuries:

PRP and stem cell applications provide significant benefits in selected patients with muscle damage that enables shoulder movements. Supporting it with physical therapy increases the success rates.

• How Many Times and How Are PRP AND STEM CELL Applied?

It can be repeated 3 times at one week intervals depending on the response of the disease. PRP and stem cell application should be done under sterile conditions. Today, PRP and stem cells can be applied in several ways. The most common method of administration is injection into the target tissue with the help of a needle. Another application method is to place the PRP VE stem cell prepared in the form of jelly in the area where it is desired to have an effect during the surgery. Finally, PRP and stem cells can be used by impregnation during surgery to increase the effectiveness of tissue precursor materials placed for cartilage repair.

• What Should I Do After PRP AND STEM CELL Application?

After the application of PRP and stem cells, it is appropriate to apply ice for pain and to use paracetamol derivative painkillers (parol, aprol). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as voltaren, naproxen, magesic) are not recommended as they will reduce the effectiveness of PRP and stem cell application. Rest is an important part of recovery, and therefore, compelling exercises and sports are not recommended during treatment after PRP and stem cell application. Simple stretching exercises can be done, but weight training against resistance should be avoided. Bandages and simple wristbands can be applied. The time to return to sports and training is between 3-6 weeks. It would be appropriate to ask your doctor about the drugs you can use after PRP AND STEM CELL application and your return to sports.

• Are There Any Side Effects of PRP AND STEM CELL Application?

After PRP and stem cell application, there may be swelling and pain at the injection site at a low rate. This pain may last for several days, but this problem can be relieved with simple painkillers and ice application. Apart from that, PRP and stem cell application has no side effects on internal organs such as kidney, liver and stomach. Since the person's own blood is used, there is no risk of allergic reaction.

• What are the Advantages of PRP AND STEM CELL Application?

In comparative studies, it has been shown that PRP and stem cell and stem cell applications are superior to intra-knee hyaluronic acid (cartilage vitamins) injections. It has been reported that the patients who underwent the application had a decrease in pain and an improvement in their functions. An increase in the time to go to surgery and a decrease in the need for surgery are indicated. Since it is a simple injection, it can be applied in outpatient clinics, the waiting and preparation time is very short, and its much lower cost also provides a significant advantage over stem cell treatments. In addition, the side effects of cortisone applications are not seen in this application.