stem cell treatments

knee stem cell
treatments in kansas city

Is knee arthritis or a meniscus tear keeping you from doing the things you love?

Knees are the most commonly replaced joints. The knee is a large hinged joint that is comprised of the lower end of the thighbone (femur), the upper end of the shinbone (tibia), and the underside of the kneecap (patella). These bones are covered in cartilage which can wear down over time from activity and genetics (osteoarthritis), autoimmune illnesses (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis), or trauma (fractures, previous surgeries, or old sports injuries). More often than not, patients will have chronic (also known as degenerative) tears to the meniscus or “shock absorbers” due to arthritis.

What do my symptoms mean? Do I need surgery?

Regardless of the cause of knee arthritis, symptoms tend to be similar and consist of pain with activities such as squatting, pivoting, walking on uneven surfaces and up and down stairs. The pain is often associated with stiffness and can interfere with sleep. Some patients may even notice a change in their leg which may appear more “bow-legged” or “knock-kneed.” Routine conservative treatment options have included rest, activity modification, weight loss, anti-inflammatory medications, viscosupplementation (i.e. Synvisc and Euflexxa), and steroid injections. When these therapies no longer provide pain relief, patients are oftentimes referred for arthroscopic surgery (to “clean out” arthritis and torn meniscus) or for total knee replacement.

Knee replacement is an invasive surgery and carries significant risks such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, and, infrequently, heart attack or stroke. There is a lengthy and painful recovery period that requires time off of work for most individuals.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (May 1, 2015, Volume 91, Number 9), found there is emerging evidence showing that arthroscopic knee surgeries involving the “clean out” of degenerative meniscus tears, also known as partial meniscectomy, show no long-term benefit in middle-aged people.

Surgery involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage and replacing these with a prosthesis consisting of metal and a plastic spacer. This spacer acts as a smooth gliding surface. Unfortunately, every plastic spacer begins to wear and, occasionally, loosen with normal use and activity. This can be accelerated with being overweight or partaking in high-impact activities such as running, jogging, or jumping. These activities are not advised after replacement.

At Motus, you have more natural options – nonoperative knee stem cell treatments in Kansas City.

At Motus, we offer nonoperative knee arthritis stem cell treatments in Kansas City to ideal candidates as an alternative to treat pain and prevent further wearing down of the joint. This can eliminate, or even prolong, the need for knee replacement in many individuals.
We do this by using products from your body known as stem cells and platelet rich plasma to promote the joint’s ability to naturally heal itself. Stem cells are structures that can change (differentiate) into any type of cell in the body. These cells exist throughout the body but cannot get to the area of injury or degeneration with orthopedic conditions because of poor blood flow. At Motus, we harvest stem cells from the patient and concentrate them using a centrifuge (similar to PRP). We then use an ultrasound to guide the stem cells to the exact area in need of treatment. This is often used in combination with PRP.  This is a quick in-office procedure that is cost efficient with minimal downtime when compared to traditional surgical approaches.

Am I a candidate for Nonoperative Knee Stem Cell Treatments in Kansas City?

Your initial consultation with Motus will consist of a regular doctor’s visit. We will ask you about your symptoms and previous treatments, perform a physical examination, and review any x-rays or MRI studies that you have had. We will also perform an ultrasound examination to evaluate the surrounding muscles, tendons, and bursa to see if there are additional conditions other than arthritis (i.e. Baker’s cyst) contributing to your pain that may need to be treated in addition to the joint at the time of the procedure. The entire visit is billed to your insurance. Should you be deemed a candidate for nonoperative knee arthritis stem cell treatments in Kansas City, your next visit will be your procedure.

Motus evaluates your knee condition and provides you with a personalized plan of care. Whether this is physical therapy, cortisone or viscosupplementation injections, biologics, or even surgery. Should you not be a candidate for stem cell therapy and require surgery, Motus is pleased to refer you to one of the many terrific local orthopedic surgeons, or to the surgeon of your choice.  Motus is here to ensure you are aware of the options available to you.