Stem cells are basic types of cells which have the ability to form different structures such as cartilage, bone and many more. Adult or Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) can be used to repair or regenerate damaged tissues.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells can be harvested from various locations in the body including bone marrow, adipose tissue (fat) and peripheral blood. We use cells from the bone marrow as they can be used in their natural state and do not need any chemical treatments. We harvest them from the thigh bone and use a laboratory stirrer before spinning them in a centrifuge to concentrate them.
The treatment is carried out keyhole (hip arthroscopy) and unlike other techniques, involves a single procedure. The damaged area of cartilage is shaved away and the minced cartilage tissue collected (Autocart). The bony bed is prepared so that it is ready to receive the stem cells/cartilage mix. This is injected onto the damaged area to fill the defect. Once the graft is in place, it is then sealed in place using a combination of biological glue and further concentrated stem cells.The most common area of damage is the socket of the hip. It can be used for head damage, but in our experience, that may not be as successful.
Stem Cell therapy is a relatively new procedure, however, extensive work has been carried out in both animal and human clinical studies. If you’re interested in learning more about Cell Therapy Development you can check it out below. The technique of delivering the cells directly to the area of damage with minced cartilage has shown to be significantly more successful than simply injecting it into the joint or using older techniques such as micro-fracture.
The Manchester Hip Clinic is the leading centre for stem cell/cartilage therapy in patients with early hip arthritis in the North of England. We routinely collect data on all patients who undergo surgical treatment under our care and are one of the largest contributors to The Non-Arthroplasty Joint Registry, which allows us to compare our outcomes to other units around the UK.
Collecting damaged cartilage
Collecting cartilage fragments
Removing the cause of the damage
Inserting the cartilage graft
Spreading the graft
Sealing the graft
The Manchester Hip Clinic is committed to helping all kinds of people with hip problems to be free from pain and often to resume near-normal levels of physical activity – even those who may have thought that such relief would never be possible.
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