La osteoartritis es una enfermedad crónica que puede afectar múltiples articulaciones con diferentes grados de severidad. Afecta a más de 25 millones de personas con casi $ 90 mil millones gastados anualmente para su tratamiento en los Estados Unidos.
La medicina moderna ofrece la capacidad de tratar los síntomas asociados con la osteoartritis, como el dolor y la rigidez, sin precisamente afectar la progresión de la enfermedad subyacente. Recientemente, ha habido un incremento en el número de “centros de inyección” en todo el país que ofrecen inyecciones alternativas que incluyen viscosuplementación , proteína rica en plaquetas (PRP) y terapia con células madre.
Si bien a menudo suena atractivo, la terapia con células madre es un tratamiento nuevo que no se conoce bien. Hay muchos sitios web y anuncios que implican que este tipo de inyeccion puede “curar” la osteoartritis; sin embargo, no hay uso de medicamentos para el dolor o terapias aprobadas que puedan retrasar o revertir la destrucción progresiva de las articulaciones que ocurre con la osteoartritis. Estas son soluciones temporales.
What are stem cells?
How are stem cells collected?
Why are stem cells thought to ease osteoarthritis?
MSCs have several actions including the following properties:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-apoptotic (decrease cell death)
- Anti-fibrotic (decrease fibrous tissue formation)
These precursor cells can mature into cartilage and bone. Their reparative nature has led to the hope that such cells may modify the destructive processes associated with osteoarthritis.
What have studies shown about the use of stem cells to treat osteoarthritis?
In several studies combining arthroscopic techniques and combined injections (MSCs combined with the platelet-rich plasma of hyaluronic acid), there has been a hint of regenerative capacity of these MSCs. It is difficult to tell whether this is truly a reparative process versus just the effects of the MSCs’ anti-inflammatory properties.
Limited studies have reported pain relief for up to a year utilizing combined adipose derived stromal cell (ADSC) and PRP injections. A recent meta-analysis of 18 studies* found MSC injections were effective in the knee for up to 24 months when done with an arthroscopic debridement to remove damaged tissue, or if the osteoarthritis changes in the knee were mild.
Is there a downside to stem cell injections?
While stem cell therapy is a promising technology, there is much we are still learning about the causes and pathways that lead to symptomatic osteoarthritis. We have not optimized the factors found in stem cell therapies to be sure only the “good” cells and growth factors are injected into a specific joint. Further research is necessary before this technology becomes widely adopted and routinely used to manage osteoarthritis.
If you are interested in alternative ways to treat your joint pain, please refer to our article, “Relieving Hip and Knee Pain without Surgery” and consult with your orthopaedic surgeon on the best treatment path for you.
*The referenced study carried a low level of evidence.
This article has been written and peer reviewed by the AAHKS Patient and Public Relations Committee and the AAHKS Evidence Based Medicine Committee. Links to these pages or content used from the articles must be given proper citation to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.
