The Power Of Stem Cells

By Dr. Brian Shiple

The term “stem cells” is a phrase that is often mentioned when discussing alternative treatments for orthopedic injuries and many other medical conditions. However, many people do not fully understand what stem cells are, where they come from, and how they can be used. Another common source of confusion is that there are several different kinds of stem cells that are used to treat musculoskeletal issues. In this article we will discuss adult autologous stem cells from bone marrow.

Adult autologous (from your own body) stem cells are the most common type being used in orthopedic cases today. The specific types of adult stem cells that are being used to treat musculoskeletal conditions are called mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), pericytes, and hematopoetic stem cells (HSCs). These are multipotent, meaning they are able to differentiate into different types of tissue and can regenerate bone, blood, cartilage, tendon, muscle, ligament, intervertebral discs, and fat cells. This type of stem cell is ideal in the treatment of advanced arthritis, cartilage, muscle, tendon, ligament, and disc injuries. It is being used with very good evidence to treat early avascular necrosis (AVN), a condition resulting in bone death from lack of blood supply to the bone. We have mastered the ability to obtain the bone marrow cells very comfortably with the use of nerve blocks and local anesthesia. The bone marrow is then processed in our lab, concentrated, and counted to make sure an optimal amount is obtained for treatment to assure a good prognosis and outcome. In case our patients have a less than ideal cell count, we have the option to add another cell source to their case to help ensure their treatment will be as effective as possible. A patient’s bone marrow concentrate is injected into their area of treatment using expert guidance with high-resolution ultrasound and/or fluoroscopic guidance as soon as possible after the cells are processed. This is done the same day as the bone marrow aspiration due to the fact that the longer a stem cell is outside of the body, the less effective the healing capacity becomes and the FDA and state regulations do not allow stem cells or bone marrow concentrate to be stored for later use in the United States.

With the extensive recovery time, risks, complications, copays, deductibles, and out of pocket expenses that come with surgery, adult bone marrow stem cell injections are a less risky, and often cost effective alternative to a joint replacement or other musculoskeletal surgical repair. Our patients seek us out because we offer progressive treatments to help them regain their mobility and function without surgery! Visit www.drshiple.com for more information and see why doctors choose Dr. Shiple to perform their cellular medicine treatments as an alternative to surgery.

Testimonial:

“All my life I have been a very active person. When I was diagnosed with arthritis at the age of 29, life, as I knew it was over. Being told by my orthopedic specialist that I could no longer play sports if I wanted to run around with my children was devastating. I ended up having hip surgery shortly thereafter.

Despite my prior surgery, I continued to suffer from hip pain. As you can imagine, I was frustrated with the limitations this imposed on me and thought I needed a hip replacement. My wife was extremely concerned undergoing this surgery at such a young age and convinced me to seek other options. With her encouragement, I sought the advice of Dr. Delose, who eventually referred me to Dr. Shiple for a non-surgical solution for my advanced hip arthritis and avascular necrosis (AVN) of my hip bone.

I left my initial consultation with Dr. Shiple feeling confident he could help treat my pain without the need for a hip replacement or at the very least prolong surgery. I followed through with a bone marrow stem cell procedure at his recommendation, and I am happy to share the results have been excellent. I have not felt any pain since my treatment with Dr. Shiple. I am now able to play sports again and run around with my kids without having to worry about pain.

Every year for the past 23 years, my friends and I play in our annual Turkey Bowl football game. This year the difference in my ability to play from last year was astounding. Even my friends noticed the change in my performance. Last year, I was very limited in my lateral movement as a quarterback, which made me a sure target for sacks. Needless to say we lost that game. Because of my lackluster performance, the opposing team was confident I would play poorly again. I’m proud to say I proved them wrong and played like my 23 year-old self. I was able to maneuver easily and run side to side without any limitations.

I praise Dr. Brian Shiple and his great team for helping those who are restricted from doing what they love to do because of their condition. I thank my wife every day for encouraging me to be proactive and research alternatives to surgery. I am forever grateful and will continue to be a loyal patient to Dr. Shiple and a firm believer in stem cells.” – M.M.

Credentials:

Dr. Brian Shiple is a highly accomplished sports medicine board certified physician. Dr. Shiple is one of the leading interventional regenerative medicine physicians on the east coast and uses platelet rich plasma and adult stem cells for the healing of musculoskeletal conditions. He has been practicing age management wellness and aesthetic medicine for over 8 years. He has been in practice for 23 years and is a highly sought after speaker, educator, and author.