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Stem Cell Therapy for Arthritic Knees
Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Jul 5 8:22am | Replies (301)Comment receiving replies
Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end of Nov 2016…but,
I had an appt with a regenerative medicine doc at a clinic about placental stem cell injections in both knees that is leaving me confused about what to do! I would love to have this done but I’m unsure of the REAL outcome of this procedure compared to Tkr! This Dr says that cartilage will regrow and the knees will heal to some degree, but I cannot find any info in online research that states stem cells can make cartilage regrow! I’m concerned about the high cost of the shots esp if it doesn’t work and it’s not guaranteed! They will repeat the injections 6 mos later if I’m unhappy with the results at no extra cost. I’m also concerned about how long this effect may last and if my arthritis will come back in the knee joints within 5-10 yrs.
I wanted to know if anyone has tried stem cell shots a few years ago that have proven to last over time? Online research implies cartilage cannot easily regrow YET, but probably in the future! Also seems there have been no large studies done with stem cell for knee arthritis. With Tkr it’s a done deal, outcome is assured, new knees that last 15-20 or more years! Albeit with pain, meds, and long recovery, etc!
Replies to "Hello! I just joined this group and I am scheduled for bilateral TKR at the end..."
My stem cells were at Mayo Rochester Dr. Smith it was the REGENEX. Dr Smith is also doing a trial i wasn't eligible but you can find it on Mayo website
Thank you for the information. I am familiar with Regenexx and have their book. I think that a a lot depends which of the Regenexx doctors does the procedure. Will do Moore homework.
@agnewi, sorry for the late reply. First, at 90-years-old, your level of activity and the fact that you still manage your own business despite your knees is an inspiration to myself and other members on Connect.
We did some research to confirm stem-cell treatment at Mayo Clinic and it looks like they do offer stem-cell treatment at all three Mayo Clinic sites. However, when it comes to being bone on bone in the joints, you may or may not be a candidate, and this would be decided by your medical provider. I hope this information helps.
My knee is "bone on bone" have a brace to Push knee joint open to receive stem cells.
Does anyone agree that we should petition and get insurance co. to pay for stem cells- less costly than surgery?
Yes, I agree that we should petition insurance companies.
Thank you so much for your response. I will contact Mayo Clinic to see if the would accept an MRI of my knees to evaluate the possibility of stem cell treatment, or offer other options to reduce the pain. The pain on both knees is what keeps me to fully enjoy my life.
Maybe this: The National Ass. of Insurance Commissioners naic.org
Regulate Insurance companies.?
Mari
@agnewi, If you are seeking a second opinion from Mayo Clinic, you may do so by following this link http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63. They will be able to get you information and direct you to where you need to go. Good luck!
A very timely Mayo Clinic Minute was posted yesterday about stem-cells and knees. A Mayo Clinic Minute is a one-minute news video on a particular topic. You can watch the video here, http://mayocl.in/2h3e21r.
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Justin McClanahan,
"I have talked to my insurance co about covering the cost. My knee replacement was over $60,000. Stem cells $7000. Do the math".
How about we start a petition or a drive to appeal to government + head of insurance companies to cover stem cell cost.
A Dr. in Torrance will do a shot for $2000. Better $2000 than $60,000.
Does this make sense?
I talked to a women in 2010 re her history of terrible heart trouble - she went to Thailand - had blood drawn, sent to Isearl - they told Thailand hospital what stem cells to give her.
She is now healthy and strong -
Compare all her previous heart surgeries to Stem Cells!