Month: April 2024

27 Apr 2024
The role of regenerative medicine

The Role of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics

Introduction

Regenerative medicine, also called ortho biologics, is a relatively new type of technology that is actively being used in the field of orthopedics to treat several different types of musculoskeletal injuries. These treatments are usually recommended when an orthopedic injury has failed to respond to traditional non-surgical treatments and also as a means to avoid surgery.

In this article, we will be discussing in detail how regenerative medicine helps in treating orthopedic conditions.

Uses of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics

Orthobiologics are the therapies that are developed from natural or biological substances and can be used by orthopedic surgeons in the following cases:

  • To help relieve pain and some other symptoms associated with some orthopedic conditions like osteoarthritis (degenerative disease in which the tissues in the joint break down over time), thus delaying the need to undergo surgery.
  • Improves the ability of the body to heal from an injury due to repetitive movements, like a tendon or ligament strain, fracture (broken bone), or cartilage injury.
  • For treating tendinopathies, like a tennis elbow (a condition that develops due to the excessive use of tendons and muscles in the elbow).
  • Helps treat avascular necrosis (when the bone tissue dies due to the temporary or permanent cutting off of blood supply to the bone)
  • Helps in improving healing following an orthopedic surgery by repairing some tendons, which includes rotator cuff repair (surgery performed to repair a torn tendon in the shoulder region).

The use of orthobiologics in orthopedic conditions is known as orthopedic regenerative medicine.

Different Types of Regenerative Medicine Used in Orthopedics

Orthobiologics are obtained from different types of natural sources like humans, animals, or microorganisms. The orthobiologics can either be composed of proteins, sugars, nucleic acids, or a combination of these substances, or they could be made of living entities like cells and tissues.

Orthopedic surgeons can use regenerative medicine to help in the healing of bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles.

Although there are different types of regenerative medicines available, the two major types that are currently being used for orthopedics are as follows:

Stem Cell Therapy

In this procedure, the doctor extracts the patient’s own living cells from their body. These cells will then be injected into the damaged part of the tissue. The body will then respond by sending signals to heal and repair the affected area, thus promoting natural healing.

Stem cells are known as origin cells, which means that they can differentiate into other types of cells, like bone, cartilage, and muscle. This means that the stem cells can convert themselves into cells that your body requires to promote healing. For example, if a patient has a damaged ligament present in the knee joint and the doctor extracts stem cells from his body and injects them into the injured area, the stem cells will then differentiate into new ligaments and cartilage, which helps in repairing the injury more quickly compared to other traditional treatments.

Stem cell therapy can be useful in treating the following orthopedic conditions:

  • Tendon injuries and tears
  • Degenerative joint diseases
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Damage to the cartilage
  • Ligament strains and sprains
  • Injuries to the spinal cord

Platelet-Rich Plasma or PRP Therapy

In this type of therapy, the patient’s blood will be drawn by the doctor and then spun in a centrifugation machine to separate the platelets. The platelets are cells that contain growth factors that help in promoting tissue healing. These platelets will then be injected directly into the body’s injured area. The direct injection of the platelets helps accelerate the natural healing process of the body.

PRP therapy can help in treating ligament and tendon injuries such as rotator cuff tears and joint pain due to osteoarthritis. The therapy can also help accelerate the healing process following an orthopedic surgery, like ACL reconstruction (a surgery performed to reconstruct a ligament in the center of the knee).

Additionally, PRP therapy also helps in muscle recovery and treatment of sports injuries. Chronic orthopedic conditions like plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the fibrous tissue connecting the heel bone to the toes) can also be treated using PRP therapy.

Benefits of Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics

Regenerative medicine offers several advantages over conventional orthopedic treatments. Some of the key benefits of regenerative medicine are as follows:

  • Reduces the need for surgery
  • Repair and regeneration of tissue
  • Stimulation of the body’s natural healing process
  • Speeds up the healing process
  • Restoration of mobility
  • Addresses the exact cause of pain and relieves pain
  • Minimal or no downtime

Risks of Using Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics

Just like any other medical procedure, there are some possible risks associated with the use of regenerative medicine in orthopedics. The common side effects associated with the procedure include the following:

  • Swelling at the injection site
  • Redness at the site of injection
  • Pain and discomfort at the injection site
  • Infection
  • Allergic reaction to the injected materials

The side effects are usually mild and disappear on their own within a few days.

Conclusion

Regenerative medicine is a relatively new technique being used in the field of orthopedics but has proved to provide very good results in orthopedic conditions that have failed to respond to non-surgical conventional orthopedic treatments or in cases where surgery needs to be avoided. Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy are the most commonly used types of regenerative medicine in orthopedic conditions.

If you are suffering from any musculoskeletal problems, you should visit an orthopedic specialist immediately. The specialist will evaluate you thoroughly before preparing a proper treatment plan for you. You can ask your doctor about regenerative medicine options and whether they are likely to work in your case.

 

06 Apr 2024
Healty spine tips

Ergonomics for a Healthy Spine: Tips for Sitting, Sleeping, and Lifting to Prevent Back Pain

Do you spend most of the day sitting at the desk, whether in an office setting or working remotely from home? Doesn’t the discomfort worsen as the day progresses, making it increasingly challenging to focus on your tasks? When you leave the office, you’re left with a nagging ache that lingers well into the evening. If so, then this blog is for you! 

Prolonged sitting can damage our spine, but with the right ergonomics, this can be prevented. Imagine a day at work without constant back discomfort. Creating a spine-friendly environment prevents back pain and promotes overall well-being. Here are a few tips for healthy spine ergonomics that can bring you the relief you’ve longed for. 

The Right Sitting Posture

One key element of a spine-friendly workstation is an ergonomic chair with adequate lumbar support. This support helps maintain the lower back’s natural curve, reducing strain on the spine. But it’s not just about the chair; it’s about you.

The advantage of adjustable chairs is that they allow you to customize the height and tilt to achieve comfortable sitting, putting you in control of your health. Additionally, positioning the computer monitor at eye level helps prevent neck strain by promoting a neutral posture you can maintain.

Safe Lifting Techniques

Whether it’s moving furniture during a household renovation or lifting boxes at work, improper lifting techniques can lead to serious back injuries. Improper lifting techniques are a leading cause of back injuries, often resulting in severe pain and long-term consequences. 

Always bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting heavy things. This way, you use the strong muscles in your legs instead of straining your back. Avoid twisting your body while lifting by moving your feet instead of turning your torso. If something is too heavy or awkward to lift alone, ask for help or use tools like dollies or carts.

Right Sleeping Positions 

We nearly spend more than one-third of our lives in bed, which means that the quality of our mattresses and pillows directly impacts our spinal health. Many people overlook the importance of proper sleep posture and the impact it has on spinal health.

Invest in a mattress that gives good support and fits your body’s curves. A medium-firm mattress is usually best because it balances support and comfort. Also, pick a pillow that keeps your head and neck aligned with your spine. 

Whether you like a regular pillow or one made of memory foam, make sure it supports your spine well, even if it’s not super soft. Remember, a good night’s sleep is essential for good spinal health and overall well-being.

Simple Adjustments For Everyday Tasks 

Imagine this scenario: you are hunched over the kitchen counter, washing dishes after dinner. With each repetitive motion, a dull ache creeps into your lower back, increasing the strain and discomfort. In this case, investing in adjustable kitchen countertops and supportive mats helps reduce the strain on your back. 

Whether you’re vacuuming, gardening, doing laundry, or washing dishes and for any daily tasks, using ergonomic principles can stop back pain before it starts. When you’re vacuuming or mopping, use tools with long handles to avoid bending down too much. Bend your knees and keep your back straight to protect your spine. 

Use gardening tools with cushioned and long handles to make gardening easier on your back and joints. When doing laundry, use a washing machine with a door in the front so you don’t have to bend and twist too much when loading and unloading clothes.

These are just a few simple adjustments or things to keep in mind, among many others, for a healthy spine during your daily tasks.