6.2 - Regenerative Medicine Flashcards
Describe PRP therapy
Platelet Rich Therapy
Patient’s own blood is withdrawn and centrifuged. The platelet-rich plasma is then reinserted back into the area
Promotes an inflammatory healing response
- Platelets –> abundance of growth factors at the site of injury
Indications for PRP
Tendinopathy
Muscle strains
Ligamentous injuries (knee ACL, elbow UCL)
Mild to moderate cartilage injuries / OA / meniscus lesions
Contraindications for PRP
SEVERE cartilage disease / OA
Considerations for PRP therapy
Discontinue NSAIDS!
- Have an anti-inflammatory effect, which decreases the effect of PRP
Progressive, protective loading
Describe stem cell therapy
Patient’s own stem cells (mesenchymal stem cells, from patient’s bone marrow) are taken and injected into the involved area
Stem cells can develop into many different types of cells
Indications for stem cell therapy
Cartilage defects
MSK injuries
Impaired cardiac tissue
Impaired neurological tissue
Contraindications to stem cell therapy
Severe MSK pathology
Considerations for stem cell therapy
Progressive loading
Describe autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI)
Chondrocytes harvested and aggregated from healthy cartilage tissue
Chondrocytes implanted under a synthetic membrane to grow and replace the defective cartilage
Indications for ACI
Articular cartilage lesions
Age 13-55 yo
Patient’s willingness and ability to comply with post-op rehab
How does ACI differ from OATS?
ACI - harvesting and implanting CHONDROCYTES to grow new cartilage
OATS - healthy cartilage is harvested and re-inserted as a direct graft
Contraindications for ACI
SEVERE joint disease
Describe the post-op rehab considerations / protocol following ACI
First 6 weeks - early maximal protection; passive motion; typically NWB
NONimpact functional activities starting at 3-4 months
- Stationary bike, treadmill walking, swimming, etc.
Pivoting activities allowed at 14-18 months
