Knee Pain: 3 Benefits Of Stem Cell Treatment For A Torn ACL

The Dreaded ACL Tear

One of the things that athletes fear the most is hearing a popping sound coming from the knee. This dreaded pop is usually the sign of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The ACL is one of the ligaments that stabilize the knee. A sudden twist or blow can cause a partial or full-thickness tear. Torn ACLs almost always require reconstruction surgery. Recently, doctors have been using biological therapies like stem cell treatment to rehabilitate torn ACLs.

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are the body’s raw cells located in the bone marrow, blood, and fat tissue. These undefined cells lay dormant until the body needs to create a specific cell. Stem cells turn into muscle cells, skin cells, and tissue. Since stem cells can even regenerate organs, scientists have tried stem cell treatment for ligament damage. A doctor will transfer mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the injury site for stem cell treatment.

Time for stem cell treatment

Stem cell treatment happens in 3 stages. The doctor will extract stem cells from the hip bone. With a long needle, the surgeon will remove bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC). The BMAC is placed in a centrifuge to separate the needed stem cells. The stem cell solution is then injected at the injury site using ultrasound. Here are 3 benefits patients receive from stem cell treatment.

1. Stem cell treatment is minimally invasive.

Unlike the traditional surgery procedure to repair or reconstruct your ACL, stem cell treatment is minimally invasive. Some patients would prefer to avoid surgery since there is some risk of failure. Using just a needle and imaging technology, doctors can administer the stem cells. Opting for stem cell treatment means shorter hospital stays and reduced risk of infections.

2. It can effectively relieve pain

As the stem cells regenerate the damaged ligament, pain and inflammation drop significantly. The improved pain relief has a few advantages. Patients can use less pain medication and are less likely to use more potent opioids. Less pain means patients will be able to resume activities faster.

3. Stem cells mean better recovery and outcomes

Stem cell treatment can effectively regenerate tissue and ligaments. Partial and even full ACL tears can experience new growth. When combined with physical therapy, stem cell therapy brings a more natural recovery. For patients, that means a healed ligament that will stay strong for years.

Consider stem cell therapy

The medical team will determine if a patient is a candidate for stem cell therapy. Stem cells can transform into tissue and ligament cells. The benefits include less pain, faster recovery, and minimally invasive. Patients with torn ACLs can explore stem cell therapy along with surgery and make the right choice.