Stem Cell Therapy for Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears are a notorious knee injury that can take anyone out of action. Whether related to sports or work, this can be a particularly frustrating injury that can be a serious drain on your quality of life.

One of the most difficult aspects of tearing your meniscus is making treatment decisions. Should you wait it out and see if it will heal with time, rest, and physical therapy, or will you ultimately need surgery? In either event, there are always question marks around your long-term prognosis and ability to resume a previous level of activity.

That’s what makes stem cell therapy such a promising and exciting treatment for knee injuries such as meniscus tears. By using the restorative properties of these building block cells, your body can increase its healing potential. If you have a torn meniscus, and are wondering if stem cell therapy may be right for you, take some time to check out this helpful guide.

Understanding Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears are one of the most common knee injuries. This is because so many activities put rotational stress on the knee, which can strain and even tear these important pieces of tissues. Each one of your knees has two of these C-shaped pieces of cartilage that cushion the knee joint.

Specific causes of a meniscus tear can include sudden changes in movement and jumping, especially while putting your full weight on one knee. Symptoms of a torn meniscus generally include a popping sensation followed by swelling, stiffness, and pain. In some cases, less severe meniscus tears can heal with conservative treatment and without the need for surgery.

If surgery is needed, surgical techniques can include meniscus repair or removal of damaged tissue, known as meniscectomy. In the most severe cases associated with degenerative arthritis, orthopedic surgeons may recommend partial or full knee replacements. Even with minimally invasive techniques and a successful outcome, any form of orthopedic knee surgery can involve long recovery times and risk of diminished activity levels. Because of these difficulties, many patients are interested in new and alternative treatments that can help avoid the need for surgery.

What Is Stem Cell Therapy?

Also known as regenerative therapy, stem cell therapy uses stem cells to repair damaged cells in the body. Stem cells are basically the body’s building blocks that can be used to make nearly any other type of cell. Stem cell therapy can be used for a wide variety of conditions, from immune disorders to heart disease to musculoskeletal injuries such as meniscus tears.

Innovations Medical uses adult stem cells harvested from fat to help the body’s own restorative functions heal a range of conditions and injuries.

How Stem Cells Can Help Meniscus Tears

Adult stem cells, harvested from fat and injected intravenously can play a tremendous role in helping knee cartilage heal. By reducing inflammation and promoting restorative functions, patients can improve mobility and function while avoiding the need for more intensive treatments, including surgery, or potentially habit-forming medication.

Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Meniscus Tears

Stem cell therapy is minimally invasive, giving patients an alternative to surgery and the lengthy and often painful recovery process involved. What’s more, adult stem cell therapy for meniscus tears can offer pain relief while helping to avoid the side effects of habit-forming medications.

Patients undergoing stem cell therapy for knee injuries report increased mobility and function, and reduced pain and inflammation.

Who Is a Candidate for Stem Cell Therapy for Meniscus Tears?

The best potential candidates for meniscus tear stem cells therapy have fully explored conservative therapies without relief and want to avoid undergoing knee surgery. Patients who also want to integrate stem cell therapy into early conservative care for meniscus tears are also good candidates.

Candidates for stem cell therapy must be medically stable enough to undergo local anesthesia. Some chronically ill patients may need clearance from a doctor. Patients must not be taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) or be able to stop them two to four days before the procedure.

Stem cell therapy can be a great option for anyone seeking to maintain joint health and avoid future knee problems and injuries in addition to a torn meniscus.

Meniscus Tear Stem Cell Therapy Cost

The cost of an initial stem cell therapy session can range from $5,000 to $10,000. Costs are dependent on the complexity of the procedure. In many situations, initial treatment is all that is needed, but subsequent treatments may be required in some cases at a reduced fee.

Innovations Medical offers flexible financing options that can spread out therapy costs. We’re committed to helping people with different budgets meet their treatment and wellness goals.

Contact Innovations Medical for Stem Cell Therapy

If you’re looking for an advanced treatment for meniscus tears, Innovations Medical is here for you. Our skilled professionals help you decide which treatment is best for you – keeping you informed and confident in the next steps. We’ve been helping our patients look and feel their best since 2005, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.

To find out if stem cell therapy is right for you, and to learn how Innovations Medical can improve your life, call us at (214) 643-8665 or schedule an appointment.