Studies Show That It May Be Time to Look for Alternatives to Knee Replacement

As an Increasing Number of People Face Chronic Knee Pain, Both Patients and Physicians May Need to Start Seeking Alternatives to Knee Replacement Surgery

It's time to start looking for alternatives to knee replacement surgery. More and more people are diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee. One study states that, apart from aging, reasons for the growth in knee osteoarthritis cases include the obesity epidemic, as well as “knee injury, repetitive use of joints, bone density, and muscle weakness”.

In fact, the amount of people inflicted with knee osteoarthritis has skyrocketed so much that a study from 2010 found that it is “one of the leading causes of global disability.” This same study warns physicians that they’ll need to brace themselves for a massive increase in treating the painful and debilitating condition. There are estimates that by “2030, only in the United States” knee osteoarthritis “will burden 67 million people.”

Traditionally, physicians have guided their patients towards receiving a total (or partial) knee replacement.

But is this really the only form of treatment? The answer is no. Is knee replacement surgery the safest form of treatment? That answer is a definite no.

We’ve already mentioned how knee replacement surgery is not the safest, easiest, or cheapest route to take by any means. That’s why many people have started seeking out more natural alternatives to knee replacement

Regenerative medicine has become one of the main alternatives to knee replacement. This is because the protocols are generally much easier than traditional surgery, far less painful and time consuming, minimally invasive, and–in the end–are most cost efficient. This especially holds true for PRP therapy and adipose-derived stem cell treatments.

It’s important to gather as much information as possible before considering regenerative therapies. New discoveries are made in the field of regenerative medicine every day, and the physicians of Regeneris Medical are finding that regenerative therapies are some of the safest options to consider.

If you are thinking about any alternatives to knee replacement surgery, click here to learn more about regenerative therapies, or contact us at 1-855-734-3678 or [email protected] to speak with one of our attentive staff members today.

Top 7 Questions to Ask When Considering Cellular Therapy

It’s understandable to have a lot of questions about a topic that not many people know much about. This can especially be the case when one is considering receiving cellular therapy. Although it’s a fairly new approach to treating medical conditions, it’s a fast-growing practice with many people predicting that it is the future of medicine. As a medical facility that prides itself on being one of the forefronts to providing cellular therapy treatment for multiple conditions, Regeneris Medical has compiled the top 7 questions to ask when considering cellular therapy.

Questions to Ask When Considering Cellular Therapy

1. What cellular therapies are available?

There are several different types of cellular therapies that have been integrated into regenerative medicine. These include skin and blood stem cells, cord blood stem cells, bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells, adipose(fat)-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and fetal stem cells.

The most frequently used stem cells tend to be bone or adipose(fat) derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). While some facilities still use bone MSCs, there is no doubt that autologous adipose-derived MSCs are by far the easiest and least painful to obtain, and absolutely ethical for the conduction of cellular therapy.

2. What cellular therapy should I choose?

This really depends on what you are trying to accomplish (for example, if you give birth and want to freeze your cord blood for your child for when he/she grows older and may need easy access to a potent and effective cellular therapy). Generally, mesenchymal stem cells are the most used due to their availability. Keep in mind that mesenchymal stem cells are 2,000 times more abundant in adipose (fat) tissue than bone. And like we’ve mentioned before, the protocol for harvesting adipose-derived MSCs (also known as Stromal Vascular Fraction, or SVF) is much easier and far less painful than harvesting bone-derived MSCs.

3. Who provides cellular therapy?

With regenerative medicine becoming more and more popular, and the research and use of cellular therapies on the rise, providers and clinical trials can be found nearly in every state within the United States of America. In fact, the U.S. currently has 136 clinical trials going on. That just shows you how popular the idea of utilizing regenerative medicine and cellular therapies is becoming.

One of the most important things you can do before receiving treatment from a doctor who claims to use cellular therapy is to do your research on said provider. Make sure that this doctor has a good reputation by using Google, FaceBook, Twitter, asking around on internet health forums, and speaking with other providers.

4. What does your provider specialize in?

This will require some research on your part. It’s important to know just what your provider specializes in. With this in mind, choose a practitioner that focuses on whatever part of the body your condition affects. Some facilities, such as Regeneris Medical, have multiple practitioners with different specialties.

However, understand that because cellular therapy is still being researched (note that that receiving autologous cellular therapies is safe), consider receiving treatment if a provider offers you to be a part of a study. The benefit of this is that you will receive free study medication and treatment, and you may be qualified to receive a stipend for your time and travel.

5. What facility near me has the most experience with cellular therapy?

Again, you’ll have to research a little further to make sure you are indeed choosing an honest and qualified practitioner. Big hospitals/medical facilities--or affiliates of these places--with notoriety and good reputations will generally have some sort of stem cell faction within them.

If you’re open to travel, Massachusetts is the top state within the U.S. in terms of providing above-and-beyond health care access with some of the most world-renowned doctors working there. Regeneris Medical is proud to be amongst one of the few facilities in New England that specifically specializes in treating ailments with regenerative medicine and cellular therapy.

6. What is the cost difference between traditional therapy and the cellular therapy?

Although cellular therapies are not covered by insurance, they can save you time and money in the long run. For example, receiving PRP Stem Cell Therapy instead of having total knee replacement surgery can help you avoid years of recovery time and multiple surgeries, as well as keep your wallet happy (in comparison to paying for a TKR, including all of the pre and post surgical factors such as physical therapy, infection treatment, follow-ups, etc.).

7. Should I participate in clinical trials for cellular therapies?

As we’ve mentioned before participating in clinical trials for cellular therapies can be incredibly beneficial. Not only for the researchers, but for the patients, as well. The benefits of participating in these studies is that, for the most part, (a) health insurance is not required (b) you will receive free study medication/treatment (c) you will also receive a stipend for your time and travel.

Contact Us

If you are considering cellular therapy over traditional therapy, call us at 1-855-734-3678 or e-mail us at [email protected]

Recovery Time For Knee Replacement Surgery: Could It Potentially Take Years?

Does Recovery Time For Knee Replacement Surgery Take Longer Than You Think?

You read the title correctly: it is possible that the recovery time for knee replacement surgery could be much longer than you had expected. That may seem implausible to some, but the reality of the situation is that many underestimate the total recovery time for knee replacement surgeries over the course of their lifetimes. And yes, you also read that correctly- surgeries. This may come as a surprise, but an individual’s first knee replacement surgery usually isn’t the last that they’ll have.

So what does this mean? Well, it means that someone can have multiple recovery times. Add those periods of recovery together, and an individual could technically rack up years of hospital time, downtime, trips to the doctor, physical therapy, and everything else that comes along with having knee replacement surgery.

Let’s break it down a little further- first and foremost, the hospital stay of the initial knee replacement surgery lasts from 7-14 days. Next up follows an average of 6 months of bedrest, physical therapy, changing bandages and compression socks, visits to the doctor, etc.- essentially sacrificing your precious time for half a year (and sometimes longer) of recovery. Even at that, that’s just assuming that there aren’t any surgical complications such as infections (which could technically make the recovery process over a year long, should surgical intervention be needed again). Oh, and by the way, you’ll probably have to get the surgery again anywhere between 5-15 years after the first replacement depending on your age and personal factors.

Adding all of this up together, that means that if you have your knee replaced at 45 years old and live until you’re 90, you could technically dedicate 3 years of your life to surgical and post-surgical treatments on your knee...and that’s just for one knee. So in actuality, recovery time for knee replacement surgery could take far longer than expected.

As we’ve mentioned before, the initial post-procedure recovery time for knee replacement surgery averages about 7-14 days in the hospital. While this may not seem like a long time, let’s apply this to the aforementioned scenario above. If you have 5 knee surgeries in your lifetime, that means that you could spend up to 2 months in the hospital. This of course is all dependent on factors such as age and severity, but life can sometimes throw a wrench in your recovery plans. This is especially true in terms of getting an infection while in the hospital.

Hospitals do have infection rates which can cause fairly problematic post-surgical issues. Implant infections are difficult to diagnose and treat, and can be incredibly costly. Although OrthoInfo says that “only” 1 in 100 knee replacement patients will develop an infection, consider the fact that over 700,000 people get knee replacement surgery. That means that over 7,000 people will develop an infection. Also, consider that to be a low-balled estimate. For example, one study found that out of 476 knees that had received knee replacement surgery, 91 had to be treated for infection and 385 “were revised for aseptic failure”. Because the infection rate is probably higher than previously estimated, one can’t count out the possibility that they will a) develop an infection, b) have to receive multiple surgeries in a short period of time, and c) have to extend hospital stay as well as recovery time for knee replacement surgery.

The aftercare regime that follows a knee replacement averages out to be about 6 months. Again, if we take our scenario from above, that means that someone could spend 2.5 years of their lifetime dedicated to post-surgical aftercare. How? If someone receives 5 knee surgeries in their lifetime from age 45 to 90 years old (2 replacements per knee, 1 needing surgical care due to infection), that means they could spend around 30 months of their life resting, changing bandages and compression sleeves, icing, and having to perform hour-long strength training exercises which are usually done in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings.

Add up all of this recovery time for knee replacement surgery and the number is close to 3 years. Although this may seem like a small number, it’s 3 years you will never get back. That number isn’t even including the continued physical therapy that will have to ensue between surgeries. Consider an alternative…Autologous Regenerative PRP Stem Cell Therapy.

Contact Us

Regeneris Medical’s autologous PRP Stem Cell Therapy has a total recovery time of only 2 weeks. That’s it. Regenerative PRP Stem Cell Therapy for knees is a safe, minimally invasive procedure with an incredibly minimal infection rate that won’t leave you bedridden for months. Regeneris Medical will help you utilize your body’s own healing powers so that you can get back to living your life without wasting any time. Your life is precious- don’t waste any time. Contact Regeneris Medical today for more information by calling 1-855-734-3678 or sending an e-mail to [email protected]

Knee Joint Replacement Surgery: Infection Could Potentially Be A Threat

As we’ve mentioned before, knee joint replacement surgery is not all fun and games, nor is it a means to an end. Knee joint replacement surgeries are both costly in terms of time and money, and take a massive physical toll on the body. While sometimes implants and surgical interventions are necessary to keep a person alive, are more natural route can be taken when it comes to joint replacements. Is it really an attractive idea to have a hunk of metal and plastic popped into your joint socket? One thought process with knee joint replacement surgery is that once the procedure is completed, that’s the end of it. However, that notion is far from true. Truthfully, a joint replacement surgery is just the beginning to a very long, painful, and annoying journey. A big part of this arduous venture, is the very real possibility of a post-surgical infection.

Infection & Mortality Rates of Knee Joint Replacement Surgery

Infection after a knee joint replacement surgery can be very serious, even deadly. In a 2015 study, infection rates and mortality rates were shown to be much higher in adults who are 75-80 years old than their younger counterparts. Not only that, but knee function began to deteriorate between 3-5 years in ages over 75, while patients under 75 only maintained proper knee function at 5 years, thus prompting another eventual round of knee joint replacement surgery.

A 2013 study also found this to be true, as it states that “the mortality rate among patients over the age of 65 years who were awaiting a surgical procedure for treating TKA infection has ranged from 0.4% to 1.2%, and between 2% and 7% among patients aged over 80 years.11 ” This means that, unfortunately, infection rates have been rising in patients receiving a total knee replacement. Although 1.2% and 7% may seem like small numbers, realize that over 500,000 (it’s closer estimated to 700,000) people a year in the United States have knee joint replacement surgery.

Although it may seem intuitive to stay at the hospital for the best care possible, hospitals do have infection rates, and unfortunately that can increase a patient’s chance of developing an infection. “It’s incredibly costly, difficult to diagnose, and difficult to treat,” says Dr. Joel Buchalter states. “[It] usually requires multiple operations.”

Dr. Buchalter brings up another important point in terms of total surgical cost. In addition to the initial knee joint replacement surgery’s cost, “the mean cost of treating TKA infections has been estimated as 50,000 dollars per patient and 250 million dollars per year, in the United States.” In that case, a patient may technically have to pay for two major knee surgeries in a short period of time. Doctors may even have to totally remove and replace the implant. Not only is that a lot the patient’s wallet, but it’s incredibly harsh on his/her body, too.

Is There An Alternative to Knee Joint Replacement Surgery? Yes.

Regeneris Medical provides those who suffer from knee pain and osteoarthritis of the knee with the option of utilizing his or her own body to regenerate the surrounding tissues of joints. We harvest two of the body’s healing elements–platelet-rich plasma and adipose(fat)-derived stem cells–exploit their growth factors, and administer them back into degenerating joints. This minimally invasive procedure has virtually no infection risks, as it is not major surgery and all materials introduced into the body are derived from you.

Contact Us

If you are suffering from knee pain, call 1-855-734-3678 or e-mail [email protected] to find out more information, and to schedule a consultation in which our doctors will create a personalized treatment plan that will work best for your condition.

Knee Joint Replacement vs. PRP Stem Cell Therapy

It's no wonder that PRP Stem Cell Therapy for degenerative knee conditions is becoming more relevant in today's medicinal practices. After all, knee joint replacement surgery is not something to take lightly. Knee surgery could truly change the course of your life, and not necessarily for the better. Some may think that knee joint replacement surgery has the ability to completely wipe out all pain and problems, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Consider regenerating your own knee joint’s tissues using your body’s own platelet-rich plasma and adipose(fat)-derived stem cells with the help of Regeneris Medical, instead. It can save you pain, time, and money.

KNEE JOINT REPLACEMENT Vs. PRP Stem Cell Therapy

Type of Intervention

Knee joint replacement surgery is completely irreversible. Once you go through with the procedure, there is no going back. And although someone may have knee pain, it doesn’t always mean that they absolutely need surgery. It is entirely possible to be driven towards the idea of surgery far too early on in the process. Why not just put a halt on the degeneration and begin to regenerate tissues?- That’s exactly what Regeneris Medical’s PRP Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to do.

Regeneris Medical's PRP Stem Cell Therapy is minimally invasive and only involves pinpoint injections, as well as a mini liposuction (for SVF)- all of which are numbed with local anesthetic before the process. The best part is that you don’t have to throw your knee away.

Duration of Relief

Even upon receiving a knee joint replacement surgery, it is not the end-all be-all for knee pain and degeneration. Other surgeries will generally follow down the line as the years go by- usually between 5-15 years after surgery all depending on multiple factors. Yes, that means that you will have to go through the entire process all over again.

On the other hand, with Regeneris's PRP Stem Cell Therapy will only have to be performed approximately every 7-10 years. A simple pick-me-up may be needed at that time in order to begin regenerating once again. The greatest part about this is that you will not be continually anticipating a massive surgical process again and again.

Type of Sedation

Full anesthesia is used when going in for knee joint replacement surgery. This is a major downside for many because of some of the negative–and unfortunately common–side effects (which include nausea and vomiting). It can also be a nerve wracking experience for some to experience.

Only local anesthesia is used in Regeneris’s PRP Stem Cell Therapy procedures. This is just to minimize any discomfort when receiving the injections, as well as to numb the small liposuction site if a patient is receiving SVF in addition to PRP therapy.

Hospital Stay

Does a 7-14 day hospital stay following a highly invasive knee joint replacement surgery sound very pleasant? The other worrisome factor is the possibility of getting an infection while in the hospital. Hospitals do have infection rates, and with such an invasive surgery there are possibilities for post-surgical issues. This can cause a longer hospital stay, and potentially more surgery. Not only can this cause even more physical discomfort, but both the hospital stay and post-procedure surgeries can hike up the bill even higher.

After receiving regenerative PRP Stem Cell Therapy from Regeneris, you get to go home and relax in the comfort of your own bed, with your own food, and know that you aren’t continuing to accumulate a hospital bill. It’s as simple as that.

Infection Rates/Complications

In a 2015 study, infection rates and mortality rates following knee joint replacement surgery were shown to be much higher in adults who are 75-80 years old than their younger counterparts. Not only that, but knee function began to deteriorate between 3-5 years in ages over 75, while patients under 75 only maintained proper knee function at 5 years, thus prompting another eventual round of knee surgery.

However, there are minimal infection rates and complications (if any at all) with PRP Stem Cell Therapy. Because this is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes one’s own biological materials, there is virtually no risk of rejection, infection, or any complications.

Recovery time

Overall, it can be argued that the worst part of knee joint replacement surgery is the recovery period. This is not only because of the pain, but because of a) the downtime, and b) the aftercare regime. On average, it approximately takes a full 6 months to see significant recovery of any sort. Although you will have to have minimal rigorous physical activity during that time, there is also a lot of upkeep such as changing bandages and compression sleeves, icing, and having to test your limits with strength training exercises which are usually an hour long and done in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Yikes.

Regeneris medical’s regenerative PRP Stem Cell Therapy treatment doesn’t even compare in terms of recovery. Once the treatment is performed, the patient is recommended to steer away from rigorous physical activities for 1-2 weeks post procedure. Although we do recommend stretching and being mindful of your joints, we would even give this advice out to those who aren’t yet displaying any signs of degeneration or knee pain.

Cost

The average hospital charge for a TKR in the U.S. is $49,500, and a partial knee joint replacement surgery (PKR) typically costs about 10-20% less than a TKR. Although insurance companies may pay for a portion of the cost, they may not cover the entire bill. Not only that, but if we also consider the hospital stay (7-14 days), physical therapy, costs of fixing any surgical complications, total recovery time (6 months), the time taken off from work and enjoying everyday life, and the fact that the implant will have to be replaced in 5-15 years...is it really even worth it?

On the other hand, Regeneris Medical’s PRP Stem Cell Therapy treatment costs around $2,500-$7,500, all depending on your individualized protocol. Although insurance does not yet cover regenerative therapies, the results can last from 7-10 years before another round of intervention may be needed. There is no downtime, no long-term excruciating pain, and no high maintenance upkeep. In just 1-2 weeks, you can get back to enjoying your life’s daily activities.

Contact Us

If you’re experiencing knee pain and are considering knee joint replacement surgery, consider the potentially promising results of regenerative medicine. Call 1-855-734-3678 or e-mail [email protected] to learn more about Regeneris Medical’s regenerative orthopedic PRP Stem Cell Therapy today.