Twelve patients who tried injections of stem cells were hospitalized with infections, according to a report in The New York Times that should cause patients concern. More important is that they should investigate stem cell treatments, for conditions such as cartilage injuries to their joints, before committing to one of these procedures. It’s also a valuable reminder that physicians need to work closely with patients to help them understand their options and which choice may be best for them.

Stem cells are “uncommitted” cells that are, at least theoretically, capable of becoming any type of cell – skin, heart, kidney or even knee cartilage cells. Stem cells can come from fetal tissue, including products of in-vitro fertilization as well as placenta and umbilical cord tissue. They can also come from a patient’s own “hidden” adult stem cells, which are most often harvested from bone marrow and fat. The potential for using these cells in medicine is tremendous; for instance, stem cell transplants are used frequently to treat certain cancers, such as leukemias and blood disorders.

I am a professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Virginia. I am also a victim of knee osteoarthritis and have gone through knee replacements for both of my knees a little over a year ago. Since then I have made it my mission to educate the public about this condition, and to try to keep the enthusiasm regarding new cutting-edge options in check. That is because I have seen many patients who have paid thousands of dollars for a so-called stem cell treatment only to discover later that they were duped. In most cases fortunately, the only injury was to their wallet.

…continue reading ‘Stem Cell Treatments For Arthritic Knees Are Unproven, Expensive, and Potentially Dangerous’

Image: By Mikael Häggström, M.D.- User info- Reusing images – Own work (self-exam), CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=65289732

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