PRP, Stem Cell, and Exosomes for Meniscus Tears in Los Angeles
What is a meniscus tear? Imagine your knee as a hinge. The bones that meet at your knee are cushioned by a piece of cartilage called the meniscus. It’s like a shock absorber, helping to distribute pressure and prevent the bones from rubbing together. When the meniscus is injured, it can tear. This often happens due to sudden twisting or pivoting movements, especially when the knee is carrying weight. Think of it like a piece of paper tearing when you twist it too hard.
A meniscus tear can cause a variety of symptoms. This can include pain which is often felt on the side of the knee, and swelling making the knee puffy. Symptoms can also include locking, making the knee feel stuck or unable to fully straighten, and a popping or clicking noise when the knee is moved.
Stem cells, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and exosomes are three promising therapies being explored for the treatment of meniscus tears. These treatments offer a potential alternative to traditional surgical approaches and may lead to improved outcomes for patients.
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop into various cell types, including cartilage. When injected into the injured area, stem cells can differentiate into cartilage cells and promote tissue regeneration. PRP is a concentrated solution of platelets derived from your own blood. Platelets contain growth factors that can stimulate tissue healing and regeneration. PRP can help reduce inflammation, promote cartilage formation, and improve overall knee function. Exosomes are tiny vesicles released by cells that contain a variety of bioactive molecules. Exosomes can stimulate cell growth, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair. Exosomes may be particularly effective in promoting cartilage regeneration and reducing pain. Combining stem cells, PRP, and exosomes may lead to enhanced tissue repair and improved outcomes. The specific combination of therapies can be tailored to the individual patient’s needs.
Clinical studies are ongoing to evaluate the effectiveness of these combined therapies for meniscus tears. While the results are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks. If interested, more thorough information has been attached below.
If you’re considering stem cell, PRP, or exosome therapy for a meniscus tear, it’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with a qualified healthcare provider. They can help you determine if these treatments are suitable for your individual needs. Wondering where you can find a provider with the experience and knowledge to assist you with your treatment? Visit stemwavepro.com for more information on Dr. Nourparvar and his expertise.
For more information on the research behind this, visit: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7016630/
Summary of clinical studies using stem cell injections.
| Author/Year | Study type/Patient number | Source/Cell Number | Method of Delivery | Outcome/Follow Up | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vangsness et al. [108]/2014 | Randomized control trial/55 | Allogeneic MSCs derived from BMAC/A:50 × 106 B:150 × 106 | Percutaneous knee injection | MRI, VAS, Lysholm knee score/2 years | Significant improvement in scores at 3 months. 12-month MRI at 12 months: significant increase in meniscal volume in MSC groups compared to control |
| Pak et al. [109]/2014 | Case control/1 | Abdominal liposuction/Not reported | Percutaneous knee injection | VAS, Functional rating index, ROM, MRI/18 months | At 3 months MRI showed no evidence of meniscal tear, Symptoms improved and asymptomatic at 18 months |
| Centeno CJ et al. [110]/2008 | Case control/1 | Iliac crest BMAC/45.6 × 106 | Percutaneous knee injection | VAS, Functional rating index, MRI/3 months | Increased meniscus volume on MRI. Decreased VAS Score from 3.33 to 0.13 |
| Onoi et al. [111]/2019 | Case report/2 | Liposuction from thigh/5.5 × 106 | Percutaneous knee injection | MRI KOOS Arthroscopy/6 months | Both patients reported better scores at 6 months follow up. 2nd look arthroscopy showed meniscal tear healing |
| Sekiya et al. [112]/2019 | Case series/5 | Arthroscopically harvested Synovial Tissue/32–70 × 106 | Arthroscopic transplantation of autologous synovial MSC suspension to sutured meniscal lesion | Lysholm knee score KOOS NRS 3D MRI/24 months | Significant improvement of Lysholm score by 1 year. Other scores significantly increased by 2 years 3D MRI: Tears were indistinguishable |
Abbreviations: MSC, Mesenchymal stem cell; BMAC, Bone marrow aspirate concentrate; Macro, Macroscopic; Histo, Histology; MRI, Magnetic resonance imaging; VAS, Visual Analogue Score; ROM, Range of motion; KOOS, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score; NRS, Numeric Rating Scale.
📞 Call us today at (310) 361-5480 to book your appointment or click here to schedule a consultation.
Posted on behalf of
Cedars Sinai Medical Office Towers
8631 West 3rd Street, #545E
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: (310) 361-5480
Mon – Thu: 8:30am – 6:00pm
Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm
