Stem cell therapy for thumb joint: Does it work?

Posted by micco @micco, Feb 4, 2020

The joint in my lower thumb is bone to bone does anyone know anything about stem cell for that area. Does it work? Is it terribly expensive . Do they even do it.

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Not sure about stem cell therapy but I had the same issue and had basal tendon replacement surgery in 2012. I have been completely pain free ever since and have full mobility and use of my thumb. Good luck.

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@doverbey

Not sure about stem cell therapy but I had the same issue and had basal tendon replacement surgery in 2012. I have been completely pain free ever since and have full mobility and use of my thumb. Good luck.

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Hello @micco. I cannot speak with certainty for all scenarios and treatments, but typically, stem cell treatments for joints are not yet FDA approved, which means most insurance companies do not cover the cost of the procedure. Mayo Clinic's Regenerative Medicine does have a consult service, https://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/center-regenerative-medicine/patient-care/regenerative-medicine-consult-service?_ga=2.46593063.103896391.1580741485-356633109.1568920810, that you can connect with to ask more specific questions about what treatments are available and if you are a candidate.

@micco, have any treatment options been suggested to you already for your bone-on-bone thumb? @doverbey shared their experience with a basal tendon replacement that went well. Others have talked about a polycarbon thumb joint replacement as well, here, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pyrocarbon-thumb-joint-replacement/.

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I'd like to know as well. My sister had the traditional way done with using the tendon. One was successful, one was not and had to be redone!! Not a fan of this particular surgery.

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@annastyle4u

I'd like to know as well. My sister had the traditional way done with using the tendon. One was successful, one was not and had to be redone!! Not a fan of this particular surgery.

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Welcome @annastyle4u, I don't know the answer to your question but if it is something you are interested in knowing, your best bet in finding out is speaking with someone at Mayo Clinic's Regenerative Medicine (link is in the post above by Justin McClannahan). Here's a Mayo Clinic Q and A: Stem cell therapy for arthritis from 2018 that mentions there is still a lot of research going on in the field - https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-stem-cell-therapy-for-arthritis/

Do you have bone on bone joints in your thumb or fingers?

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I had PRP and stem cells over year ago for thumb bone on bone. Pain free.
Same for small tair in r shoulder - Pain free.

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@mari

I had PRP and stem cells over year ago for thumb bone on bone. Pain free.
Same for small tair in r shoulder - Pain free.

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Where did you have the stem cell treatment done? I haven't been able to find any programs for thumbs, just knees. I have been getting cortisone shots for the past few years - sometimes they help, other times not so much. I thought about trying PRP shots, but heard they aren't any more successful than cortisone shots, but cost much more.

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My friend had stem cell in her thumb and it worked. She is abroad on a cruse for a few eels it was a doctor south of Fort Lauderdale maybe Dania googl it

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@sandymac6614

Where did you have the stem cell treatment done? I haven't been able to find any programs for thumbs, just knees. I have been getting cortisone shots for the past few years - sometimes they help, other times not so much. I thought about trying PRP shots, but heard they aren't any more successful than cortisone shots, but cost much more.

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Cortisone bad for bones.
Are you bone on bone. Then get new knee.
I got PRP inScottsdale Az

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@sandymac6614

Where did you have the stem cell treatment done? I haven't been able to find any programs for thumbs, just knees. I have been getting cortisone shots for the past few years - sometimes they help, other times not so much. I thought about trying PRP shots, but heard they aren't any more successful than cortisone shots, but cost much more.

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*Marian *
*they r better than cortizone. **cortizone lasts a few months. PRP for
Years!*

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I am a classical guitarist and I have pretty bad arthritis in my left hand. I thought of losing my ability to play music is like preparing for the death of loved one. I am 61 and I have been reading about stem cells. Although I read studies showing high success rates for thumb joint arthritis, Im having a hard time finding all those success stories on social media. Has anyone had stem cell injections for this and if so what kind and where? Can you recommend a doctor? What was the outcome for you?

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