Stem cell treatments are experimental in orthopedics, but their use is promising, according to Jeffrey Carroll, MD.
Dr. Carroll is a physician with Movement Orthopedics and works with Forever Labs to use mesenchymal stem cells harvested from patient tissue and injected into damaged or diseased areas. Dr. Carroll sees benefits of stem cell treatment including:
1. Stimulating the natural healing response.
2. Potential to become an alternative to surgery.
3. Provide treatment for degenerative disc disease or arthritis that currently aren't considered treatable.
4. Avoid risk of complications associated with surgery.
Dr. Carroll said stem cells can be used to help regrow cartilage cells, reduce joint inflammation, slow cartilage degeneration and lower pain. He said patients may report improvement in one or two days.