Should I Add Stem Cells to My ACL Reconstruction?
If you've recently torn your ACL, your orthopaedic surgeon may have mentioned the possibility of adding stem cells to your ACL reconstruction. But what exactly does that mean? And is it worth considering?
Here are some frequently asked questions about using stem cell injection therapy in conjunction with ACL surgery.
What Is Stem Cell Injection Therapy?
Stem cells, or the body's "master cells," have the ability to differentiate into other types of cells, which means they have the potential to boost the repair response on damaged tissue.
Stem cell therapy, also called bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), is a procedure where your bone marrow is aspirated and then concentrated to a much lower volume attempting to isolate the growth factors and stem cells. These can then be reinjected into the new ACL, providing a membrane of growth factors on your new ligament.
What Are the Benefits of Using Stem Cell Therapy With ACL Reconstruction?
Nobody really knows with certainty how much these stem cells can help or if they help. Quantifying the benefits of these biological growth factors is what many of us in sports medicine are trying to accomplish, but these do seem to be the next phase in sports medicine.
Dr. Sterett, a renowned ACL expert at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, has been offering his surgical patients stem cell therapy during ACL reconstructive procedures for the past seven years. When combined with traditional ACL reconstructions, stem cells may speed up the healing process and help lead to better long-term outcomes, including:
Faster remodeling time of the ACL graft (speeding up mother nature), leading to a shorter recovery time
Stronger ultimate strength of the new ligament
Less pain and swelling immediately after surgery
Reduced risk of arthritis later on in life
Are There Any Risks?
Because the stem cells are from your own body, there isn't any risk of rejection. You will feel minimal, if any, discomfort at the site of the aspiration.
Is Stem Cell Therapy a Surgery Alternative?
Not yet. Stem cell therapy alone can’t repair a complete ACL tear. The biologics are used as a surgical adjunct in Dr. Sterett’s practice rather than as a standalone procedure.
When Do You Use Stem Cells Rather Than Platelet Rich Plasma?
Both forms of regenerative medicine can be effective in promoting healing, but when it comes to ACL reconstruction, Dr. Sterett recommends stem cell therapy over PRP for a couple of reasons:
PRP is typically thought of as an adjunct for muscle and tendon injuries that lie outside of the joint.
Stem cell therapy is thought to be more effective inside the joint, such as with the ACL or meniscus.
Think of bone marrow concentrate as stem cells and PRP as growth factors. There is a lot of overlap, but that is a relatively easy way to remember each.
Learn more about the benefits of different regenerative medicine therapies for other injuries.
How Do You Get My Stem Cells?
The procedure is simple and performed at the beginning of your ACL surgery.
Dr. Sterett will first extract your bone marrow from the iliac crest of your hip.
The bone marrow is then spun down in a centrifuge to isolate the concentrated stem cells.
At the end of your ACL surgery, Dr. Sterett will reinject the cells at various sites along the new ACL.
Questions About Stem Cell Therapy in ACL Reconstruction?
If you've recently experienced an ACL injury and are interested in learning more about adding stem cell therapy to your reconstruction, contact Dr. Sterett today. As the foremost expert in treating ACL injuries in professional athletes and Vail Valley locals alike, he and his team will ensure that you have the most advanced treatment options to get you back to your pre-injury levels as quickly as possible.
Call (970) 476-7220 to schedule your appointment or submit a request using Team Sterett's online form.