Don’t Operate – Regenerate!
Surgical knee replacement has been the go-to treatment for arthritis and other degenerative disorders of the knee joint, but this approach can cause more problems than solutions for some patients. Now, an alternative has been introduced that may offer superior results in a much less invasive procedure. Instead of removing the joint and replacing it with a plastic and metal prosthesis, a procedure can be done to promote the body’s healing process regenerating the natural joint to restore range of motion and reduce pain.
What is the Regeneris Knee Protocol?
The idea behind the Regeneris Knee protocol is to provide a biologic knee replacement that uses the patient’s own cells to repair damage to the knee joint. This reserach builds on the established field of cellular therapies that have proven valuable for a variety of medical purposes today. The RegenerisKnee protocol is a minimally-invasive procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia.
The Regeneris Knee protocol is a form of regenerative medicine, a treatment method that has been used for decades. It has shown potential in the fields of orthopedics and cosmetic medicine but is also showing great promise in other areas, including the treatment of autoimmune disorders and spinal injuries. At Regeneris Medical, we remain on the cutting-edge of cellular therapies, researching the very latest in stem cell treatments to produce the best possible results.
Benefits of the Regeneris Knee Protocol over Traditional Knee Replacement
There are numerous reasons why the Regeneris Knee protocol might be a better choice than a total knee replacement or TKR:
Anesthesia Risks
TKR is often performed under general anesthesia, which increases a patient’s risk of complications during and after surgery. General anesthesia is also more likely to cause side effects like nausea and vomiting and extends the recovery process. A Regeneris Knee protocol is performed using local anesthesia, reducing many of those risks.
Time in Hospital
A Regeneris Knee protocol is usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means you return home a few hours after your treatment to recover in the comfort of your home. A TKR requires a hospital stay or nusing home stay of 1-2 weeks, which increases the risk for a post-operative infection and makes the procedure much more expensive.
Recovery Time
Recovery from a TKR is extensive and often painful. Many patients need up to six months to see real relief after the surgery, and that is only after committing to a strict strength training regimen to restore mobility to the joint. After your Regeneris Knee protocol, you will be instructed to refrain from rigorous physical activity for about two weeks, although gentle stretching is encouraged almost right away to keep the joint mobile after treatment.
Results
A knee replacement typically lasts 5-15 years, at which time you will need to undergo another major surgical procedure to remove the worn device and replace it with another. These subsequent procedures tend to carry higher risk, since there may be damage to bone and tissue from the first procedure that complicates the process. The Regeneris Knee protocol has the potential to last several years before another injectable treatment is required to begin the regeneration process once again, but more research is currently needed to better understand how long cell-mediated therapies will last.
Cost
The Regeneris Knee protocol remains research-based and will not be covered by insurance plans. The cost of a TKR can run on average about $49,500, while the cost of a Regeneris Knee protocol will range from $5,000 to $7,500, depending on your personalized treatment program.
State-of-the-Art Technology
A Regeneirs Knee protocol involves two distinct, state-of-the-art technologies:
Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF)
This technology is used to extract stem cells from autologous fat tissue, rather than blood or bone marrow. Removing stem cells through this method results in a much higher yield of the cells, which produces the best possible outcome from your procedure. The autologous fat is removed from the body via a minimally-invasive liposuction procedure under local anesthesia.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
This substance in your blood contains a high concentration of growth factors that stimulate the body’s healing response. When administered to an injured area, the platelets create an environment that can induce healing of the tendons, muscles, ligaments and joints. PRP has been used as a dental and cosmetic therapy since the 1990s and more recently, has shown potential benefit in the medical realm.
About the Protocol
Our Regeneris Knee protocol is performed in the office on an outpatient basis, starting with the extraction of fat to collect the necessary stem and progenitor cells. Blood is also drawn to process the PRP that will be administered along with the stem cells. Both substances are delivered directly to the injured joint by injection, which can also be performed under local anesthesia. In most cases, patients will only require one treatment session.
You should be able to return to all of your regular activities within 1-2 weeks after your Regeneris Knee protocol. The injected cells should immediately begin secreting growth factors to stimulate healing and dependent on the amount of regeneration that ensues, the results may vary but could last years. As you continue to age, you may need another Regeneris Knee protocol to maintain your improved comfort and range of motion in the joint. The timing and efficacy of this process are currently been looked at more closely in our research protocols.
The Regeneris Knee protocol is considered a new field of medicine, but experts of the technology estimate this procedure could eliminate the need for TKR at some point in the future. Regeneris Medical is currently looking for patients to participate in this new field and see for themselves the potential benefits of this non-invasive approach to joint degeneration. To learn more, contact Regeneris Medical today at 855-734-3678.
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Ready to get started?
Whether you are experiencing pain as a result of injury or trauma, or if a condition such as arthritis has made it difficult to stand, walk, or run, our doctors can discuss your candidacy for regenerative treatments as well as answer any other questions you may have. Each case is unique, so personal consultations and customized treatment plans are determined based on your condition and goals.
COMMONLY AFFECTED AREAS
Our regenerative orthopedic patients are seeking stem cell therapy in the following areas:
