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As you might tell by our web-site, we’re not big believers in what we call knee joint amputation with insertion of an artificial prosthesis (a.k.a. knee replacement), but instead favor a knee replacement alternative. This is due to the big potential complications that come with knee replacement surgery as well as the possible long-term issues now just being observed. For example, there’s at least one large epidemiologic study that associates knee or hip replacement with higher rates of cancer and problems with the wear particles created by knee prostheses have been highlighted over these past two years. However, if you’re planning on going this route, what things are associated with needing a knee replacement or it’s alternative? A recent large study out of Virginia used data collected from the Osteoarthritis Initiative to see which of the almost 5,000 patients being tracked was more likely to need a knee replacement. What did they find? After adjusting for known prognostic factors, several previously unidentified predictors of future knee replacement were found including past history of knee surgery (RR=2.04, 95% CI=1.33, 3.13), knee flexion contracture (the inability to straighten the knee fully-RR=1.06, 95% CI=1.02, 1.11) and pain with bending the knee (RR=1.58, 95% CI=1.04, 2.39). The upshot? Try every knee replacement alternative you can such as physical therapy, hyaluronic acid shots, platelet rich plasma, or stem cells. However, if you find yourself still needing to undergo invasive knee replacement surgery, the metrics above may help you decide when to pull the trigger.
Chris Centeno, MD is a specialist in regenerative medicine and the new field of Interventional Orthopedics. Centeno pioneered orthopedic stem cell procedures in 2005 and is responsible for a large amount of the published research on stem cell use for orthopedic applications.
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Regenexx is a world-wide network of specially trained physicians providing the world's most advanced, research-driven, regenerative-medicine treatments in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.
Regenerative procedures are commonly used to treat musculoskelatal trauma, overuse injuries, and degenerative issues, including failed surgeries.
Shoulder
Many Shoulder and Rotator Cuff injuries are good candidates for regenerative treatments. Before considering shoulder arthroscopy or shoulder replacement, consider an evaluation of your condition with a regenerative treatment specialist.
Many spine injuries and degenerative conditions are good candidates for regenerative treatments and there are a number of studies showing promising results in treating a wide range of spine problems. Spine surgery should be a last resort for anyone, due to the cascade of negative effects it can have on the areas surrounding the surgery. And epidural steroid injections are problematic due to their long-term negative impact on bone density.
Knees are the target of many common sports injuries. Sadly, they are also the target of a number of surgeries that research has frequently shown to be ineffective or minimally effective. Knee arthritis can also be a common cause for aging athletes to abandon the sports and activities they love. Regenerative procedures can be used to treat a wide range of knee injuries and conditions. They can even be used to reduce pain and delay knee replacement for more severe arthritis.
Many spine injuries and degenerative conditions are good candidates for regenerative treatments and there are a number of studies showing promising results in treating a wide range of spine problems. Spine surgery should be a last resort for anyone, due to the cascade of negative effects it can have on the areas surrounding the surgery. And epidural steroid injections are problematic due to their long-term negative impact on bone density.
Hand and wrist injuries and arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and conditions relating to overuse of the thumb, are good candidates for regenerative treatments. Before considering surgery, consider an evaluation of your condition with a regenerative treatment specialist.
Hand and Wrist Arthritis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Trigger Finger
Thumb Arthritis (Basal Joint, CMC, Gamer’s Thumb, Texting Thumb)
Hip injuries and degenerative conditions become more common with age. Do to the nature of the joint, it’s not quite as easy to injure as a knee, but it can take a beating and pain often develops over time. Whether a hip condition is acute or degenerative, regenerative procedures can help reduce pain and may help heal injured tissue, without the complications of invasive surgical hip procedures.
Foot and ankle injuries are common in athletes. These injuries can often benefit from non-surgical regenerative treatments. Before considering surgery, consider an evaluation of your condition with a regenerative treatment specialist.
DISCLAIMER: The procedures and claims made about particular procedures on or through this site have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. All statements, opinions and references provided by GetRegenerative.com are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute an endorsement of any medical provider nor guarantee the efficacy of the treatments provided. Get Regenerative does not diagnose or treat medical conditions via this website or via telephone. This site disclaims any liability for damages or negative consequences from treatments provided by the physicians listed herein to any person referencing GetRegenerative.com.
*DISCLAIMER: Like all medical procedures, Regenexx® Procedures have a success and failure rate. Patient reviews and testimonials on this site should not be interpreted as a statement on the effectiveness of our treatments for anyone else.
Providers listed on the Regenexx website are for informational purposes only and are not a recommendation from Regenexx for a specific provider or a guarantee of the outcome of any treatment you receive.
