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.

7 Greatest Risks of Joint Replacement Surgery

No one ever wants to get a joint replacement. But for many, the idea is presented as if it is the only medical option for degenerating joints. What no one ever really mentions are the risks that can come along with the procedures. Although some may turn a blind eye to these risks because joint replacement is so common, the truth is that it can do a lot of damage. Here are the 7 greatest risks of joint replacement surgery.  

Risks of Joint Replacement Surgery

1. Infection

Infections can occur either during a joint replacement procedure, or after when the wound is attempting to heal. The joint itself can actually become infected, which can cause a lot of pain and potential medical complications. There is the very real possibility of the replacement joint becoming injected, as well. In this case, the joint will have to be surgically removed and replaced once again.

2. Metal Allergy/Implant Rejection

It is possible that your body will reject the joint replacement implant. This could be due to an unknown metal allergy. Just by simply coming into contact with metal doesn’t always trigger an allergic reaction. But if coming into contact with bodily fluids for an extended period of time--like an implant--the body may have a reaction. Itching, swelling, oozing, rashes, and blisters around the implant site may indicate an allergy.

3. Loosening

All implants will eventually need to be replaced, it’s just a matter of when. The average lifespan of an implant is generally 15 years. Over time and after extensive use, an implant starts to weaken and wear out. Implants gradually become looser, in which the patient will then have to go through the entire joint replacement surgical process all over again, costing you even more time, money, and comfort.

4. Blood Clots

Deep Venous Thrombosis--when blood clots occur in deep veins in the legs and the pelvis--can be potentially life threatening. Clots can travel to other areas of the body, including the heart, lungs, and brain in which they can become fatal. Although it may be the last thing one wants to do, moving around and increasing circulation is incredibly important early on post joint replacement surgery,

5. Change in Leg Length

For hip and knee joint replacement surgeries, it is possible for the patient’s stance may be off kilter. This is due to the replacement joints increasing or decreasing leg length. This may seem humorous, but we can assure you that it is an incredible annoyance. Going back to everyday activities can become a hassle in this case.

6. Dislocation

Staying on the topic of hip surgery, it is recommended not to bend more than 90 degrees at the hip and don't let your leg cross the midline of your body post surgery. This can cause the new replacement joint to pop out of the hip socket, causing great discomfort. People who have received hip joint replacement surgery must be very careful in their daily lives not to overexert the flexibility of the joint, even in performing relatively simple tasks.

7. Excessive Scar Tissue

After any sort of trauma, the body’s natural response is to create scar tissue. Unfortunately, the body may overproduce scar tissue to compensate for the joint replacement procedure’s large amount of surgical trauma. This can cause the joint to become stiff to the point of it being relatively immobile, which can be very uncomfortable and a nuisance.

The Risks of Regeneris Medical’s Regenerative Procedures?

The greatest risk of Regeneris Medical’s joint treatments is not considering them. Regeneris’s protocol involves two major tools- your own body’s healing abilities, and the help of our physicians. Because there are no foreign objects being placed within the body, there is virtually no risk of infection, rejection, loosening, blood clots, change in leg length, dislocation, or scarring. With the use of your own platelet-rich plasma and fat-derived stem cells, you can heal your very own body and get back to doing the things you love. Regeneris’s regenerative joint protocol is minimally invasive, only uses local anesthesia, and has a 1-2 week recovery period. Why replace when you could regenerate?

Contact Us

If you are considering joint replacement surgery, weigh the risks and the benefits. We understand your time and comfort are precious- call us today at 1-855-734-3678 or e-mail us at [email protected].

Patchy Beard? Let’s Patch You Up

Don't Settle for a Patchy Beard

One of the biggest trends in men’s fashion right now is having great facial hair, so if you have a patchy beard - it may be cramping your style. Trust us - we know that growing a beard is not as easy as it sounds. As John Lockett of GQ says, “The cold, hard truth is that not all beards are created equal. For every Galifianakis, there are at least a dozen sad, scruffy Keanus out there.” Here, we’ve created a “how-to” that can help to improve a patchy beard.

De-Patch Your Beard

Shave

First and foremost, start with a clean slate. By shaving what you already have, it will help to even out the hair growth so that you may assess the situation. You may just have a patchy beard because the hairs are at all different lengths, hairs are brittle and breaking off half-way while growing, or some hair follicles may just be inactive. It’s possible to treat these issues, but let’s just start with the basics, first.

Let it grow

Give your beard the time it needs to actually grow out. You may be tempted to experiment with trimming and different beard designs like goatees and moustaches. However, try your best to leave it alone- by playing around with the trim, this may throw your perception of your beard off while it’s growing, thus making you think that you have an uneven and patchy beard.

Give It Some Time

Be patient with your beard. There may be some sparse areas in the first month of growth, but don’t get frustrated. This may just be a hump you need to get over. Really wait a few months before making any sort of judgement on your progress- just because you have a patchy beard in the first month, doesn’t mean it will be patchy in the fourth month!

Care for It

As mentioned, hair can break- this includes facial hair. The best way to deal with this is by integrating a combination of healthy hygiene habits, hair care techniques, and noting any compulsive behaviors. Washing your beard regularly with a conditioned formula is important so that it can help deter any bacteria or mites that may cause hair loss. In addition to this, hydrating the hairs is also important- massaging a few drops of castor, olive, or argan oil into your beard will help strengthen and condition the hair and follicles. Lastly, take note of any bad habits you may have such as constant scratching, tugging, or plucking of the hairs- these behaviors can all contribute to a patchy beard.

Even It Out

So let’s say you’ve gone six months without shaving, and although you don’t have a patchy beard, some areas are noticeably shorter than others. The simple solution to this would be to trim the longer areas down to the shorter ones. This can be achieved by carefully using a comb and a pair of hair shears. However, if you don’t feel comfortable successfully evening out your own beard, book an appointment at a barber shop.

Still Patchy?

Six months without shaving and you still very much have a patchy beard? This could be due to alopecia areata - a form of hair loss that occurs in patches. In this case, the hair follicles are dormant, and most likely will not grow without some sort of professional intervention. However, most of the time the case is that you just don’t have active facial hair follicles in that area due to genetics, and you will never grow hair there without help. Luckily, there are many hair restoration physicians that can help you achieve a natural, thick, and full beard.

At Regeneris Medical and New England Center for Hair Restoration, our physicians will take the time to understand the cause of hair loss and a patchy beard in order to design the best treatment plan possible for you. Our experienced doctors can help you achieve some of the best and most natural results to help enhance beard growth and appearance. We offer traditional treatments such as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT), and microFUE developed by our very own Dr. Ryan Welter. However, it is also entirely possible for your own body to activate it’s dormant hair follicles with our regenerative hair restoration procedures. We utilize two of the body’s natural healing elements- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) as well as autologous adipose (fat)-derived stem cells via stromal vascular fraction (SVF). These revolutionary treatments are minimally invasive, incredibly safe, and can have great potential benefits. “Biocellular Technology is transforming the field of hair restoration,” says Dr. Welter. “Within a few years, using the technology we are developing, hair loss with be a thing of the past.”

Contact Us

Ready to fill in your patchy beard? Call us at 1-855-734-3678 or send us an e-mail at i[email protected]

DISCLAIMER

Regeneris Medical® and affiliates do not claim that stem cell treatments or cellular therapies are a cure for any condition or disease. Adipose-derived stem cell therapies are investigational and are not a part of  FDA-approved stem cell therapies. The information and opinions on this website are for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for advice from a medical professional. If you think you could benefit from stem cell therapies, we suggest patients research relevant information in addition to the information on our site. Be sure to consult a physician before deciding to participate in any investigational therapies.

7 of the Best Natural Hair Restoration Remedies

There’s no doubt that we’re becoming a society that seeks out natural hair restoration remedies to treat hair loss. Depending on the underlying reason for hair loss, some at-home natural hair restoration remedies can really help improve hair strength, growth, texture, as well as moisturize and soothe the scalp.* From simply integrating more nutrients into your daily food consumption, to putting masks on your hair, here are 7 of the best natural hair loss remedies.

Natural Hair Restoration Remedies

1. Diet

Eating the right foods can do more than just promote a healthy weight. Protein and omega-3 fatty acids are both important nutrients for healthy, strong locks. WebMD suggests eating “about two to three 3-ounce servings of meat or a combination of four to five servings of dairy and beans.” A diet implemented with nuts and seeds (especially flax seeds), fish, and eggs are all excellent sources of both protein and omega-3s that can all potentially be natural hair restoration remedies. Potassium, phosphorus, calcium and vitamins B and C are also all important nutrients for healthy hair maintenance- nothing drinking a little beet juice can’t help!

2. Oils

Massaging oil into your scalp can do a few of things for you. One, it’s a great way to soothe and moisturize any dry or irritated skin. The massaging itself can also promote healthy blood flow to the hair follicles, which may help growth. Lastly, it can strengthen the roots of the hair, as well as enhance texture. Oils like argan oil, olive oil, hemp oil, castor oil, and emu oil can be great natural hair restoration remedies if your hair loss stems mostly from (or is worsened by) a dry scalp or dandruff.

3. Onion Juice

Because of it’s high sulfur content, onion juice can also potentially help treat hair loss. The sulfur “helps in hair growth by increasing collagen production.” In addition to all of that, onions possess anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties that can keep microorganisms at bay, thus treating infections that can cause hair loss.

The Health Site recommends this regime:

• Chop one onion finely and squeeze out its juice.
• Apply the juice on your scalp and let it stay for 15 minutes.
• Now rinse with a mild shampoo and let your hair air dry.
• Use this twice a week to see results.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a great anti-inflammatory agent, and can alleviate any itching or dandruff by keeping the scalp moisturized. It also “contains enzymes that directly promote healthy hair growth. Also, its alkalizing properties can help bring the scalp and hair’s pH to a more desirable level, which can greatly promote hair growth.” You can simply leave Aloe gel or juice in your hair for a few hours, or use Top 10 Home Remedies recommended hair loss treatment recipe:

“In a 2002 study published in the Journal of Dermatology, almost 74 percent of the study participants who applied onion juice on the scalp experienced significant hair regrowth.”

• Mix together three tablespoons of onion juice and two tablespoons of aloe vera gel. You can also add one tablespoon of olive oil. Apply this mixture onto your scalp and leave it on for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it off and shampooing your hair.
• Repeat two or three times a week for several weeks.

5. Be Gentle

Tugging or rough handling of the hair can cause traction-related hair loss. This is when the hair is being removed from the follicle by force. “Rubber bands, dyes, perms, straightening irons, and curling wands can be hard on your hair,” says WebMD. “If your hair is thinning, you don't want it to break as well. Be gentle with your hair -- don't overdo brushing or washing.” If your balding stems from traction or excessive styling, one the best and cheapest natural hair restoration remedies is to just leave your hair alone, and be more conscientious of how you handle your tresses.

6. Supplements

If diagnosed with any conditions that may induce hair loss such as anemia, hypothyroidism, or any metabolic disorders, then ask your provider if it would be okay to implement daily supplements into your routine as a natural hair restoration remedies.  Vitamins and minerals such as biotin, iron, zinc, and potassium iodide can all aid in promoting hair growth if the body has any known deficiencies. We must stress that it is very important to speak with an accredited physician first before taking any supplements- they will know if any supplements interact with certain medications you may be on, and run appropriate blood tests to see if there truly are any deficiencies.

7. Breathe

It’s natural to be worried if you’re losing your hair. However, it will make matters worse to continue to stress about it. “Losing your hair can be stressful,” says WebMD. “And stress (physical and emotional) can sometimes increase hair loss.” Take some deep breaths and know that there are protocols available that can help you. If you’re worried about staying on the natural route, that’s why facilities like Regeneris Medical exist- to make sure you get the best possible results with the safest, natural hair restoration remedies possible.

Contact Us

If you feel like you’ve tried everything to help treat your hair loss, contact Regeneris Medical today. Call 1-855-734-3678  or e-mail  [email protected]

* Always consult with a trusted provider before starting any new routine to treat a condition.

DISCLAIMER

Regeneris Medical® and affiliates do not claim that stem cell treatments or cellular therapies are a cure for any condition or disease. Adipose-derived stem cell therapies are investigational and are not a part of  FDA-approved stem cell therapies. The information and opinions on this website are for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for advice from a medical professional. If you think you could benefit from stem cell therapies, we suggest patients research relevant information in addition to the information on our site. Be sure to consult a physician before deciding to participate in any investigational therapies.