Stem cell therapy is a new and rapidly advancing entity in the field of medicine. The separation of stem cells from the bone marrow and its application in the various defective areas of the body forms the basis of this treatment. Its therapeutic implication in various specialities is growing with improved ways of stem cell harvest and application.
What is a stem cell?
It is a unique pre cursor or pro genitor cell produced in the bone that has the capacity to differentiate and grow into any tissue in the body. Once applied in a particular body part, it renews itself and gives rise to specific cell types required at that region.
How is it harvested from the body?
Stem cells are present in abundance in infants (cord blood) and children which gradually decreases in quantity with age. In adults they are present in the iliac(hip) and sternal(chest) bones. BMAC is a minimally invasive procedure wherein the bone marrow is aspirated from the same person and the collected material is centrifuged using a special machine to separate the stem cells from it.
What are the types of stem cell injections available?
Currently, there are two types of stem cell injections available. They are
- 1. PRP – Platelet rich plasma
- 2. BMAC – Bone marrow aspirate concentrate
How effective is it clinically?
To date, there are numerous published data and ongoing clinical trials supporting the clinical efficacy of stem cell therapy in orthopaedic, cardiac, ophthalmic, dental, cosmetic and neurological problems.
