Stem cells repair tendon injuries: Currently, innovative treatments with stem cells have proven their efficacy for many musculoskeletal conditions. For instance, tendon injuries that affect athletes and the adult population. The therapies with stem and progenitor cells have opened a new door for treating these diseases, through mechanisms of tissue regeneration and immunomodulation.
Orthopaedic surgery, focal chondral injuries, osteoarthritis, fractures and soft tissue injuries (such as tendons, muscles, and ligaments) are action fields for stem cell therapies.
What is the difference between progenitor and stem cells?
Progenitor cells include any cell that can proliferate to form a descendant and these, in turn, become an adult tissue. Stem cells are a subset of progenitor cells that own an incredible self-renewing capacity.
How is the self-renewal process?
This is a process where the cell divides, giving rise to 2 daughter cells. One daughter cell is similar in every detail to the initial cell and remains available for another division of self-renewal. The second daughter cell (a progenitor cell) proceeds to divide and differentiate itself.
Progenitor cells are far more common than stem cells in tissues. Many times, the term stem cell is used wrongly to describe both progenitor cells and the mother as a whole.
Stem cells can be assorted in many ways:
1) Autologous or allogeneic.
2) Adult, embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells.
3) Native (resident tissue) or expanded cells.
What kind of tendon injuries can they repair?
Experts in the field have demonstrated that stem cells can provide good results in plantar fasciitis, also in epicondylitis, Achilles tendinosis or partial rotator cuff injuries.
Despite all these advances, our doctors at Harley Street Hospital do not recommend dropping out rehabilitation or muscle strengthening. These treatments represent an innovative option for the treatment of this type of injuries. It is superior to other therapeutic approaches because it is risk-free, no side effects have been reported.
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At the London Spine Unit, Harley Street Hospital, we have some of the best specialists in this area. Book a consultation to get a doctor´s checkup.