Local Orthopaedic Practice Uses Stem Cells to Alleviate Knee Pain
DURHAM, N.C
http://carolinanewswire.com
A clinical trial involving the use of stem cells to repair a torn meniscus (cartilage in the knee) is now being tested at Triangle Orthopaedic Associates, the Triangle’s premier orthopaedic practice. Triangle Orthopaedics is currently evaluating Chondrogen, a stem cell solution developed by Baltimore-based Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. for treating this common knee injury.
“If left untreated, meniscal tears can result in harmful consequences,“ said Dr. David Dellaero, M.D., Orthopaedic Sports Medicine surgeon at Triangle Orthopaedic Associates, and principle investigator for the study. “We are thrilled to offer a cutting-edge treatment that we hope will provide positive results for our patients suffering from this very common, yet highly painful injury.�
Meniscus tears occur when a large amount of weight is placed on the meniscal tissue, causing the cartilage to tear. These tears most commonly occur when a person suffers from a twisting or severe blow to the knee. While the pain and disability associated with meniscal tears can be improved with minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, the knee is still at risk for the development of arthritis due to the tear.
The procedure involves the injection the Chondrogen substance into the patient’s knee one week after a standard arthroscopy for removal of the torn meniscus. The solution includes a particular type of adult stem cell, called a Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC), which has shown benefit in animals that have undergone a meniscectomy, or removal of the torn meniscus. Patients enrolled in the study receive standard post-surgical treatment, in addition to the injection of Chondrogen or placebo one week after surgery.
“We continue to follow our patients both clinically and by serial MRI scans and are excited to see the ultimate results of this trial,� said Dr. Dellaero. “The number of medical trials involving the application of stem cells is increasing, and Triangle Orthopaedic Associates feels privileged to be part of such an important study that can offer our patients a unique opportunity.�
About Triangle Orthopaedic Associates
Triangle Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. is the Triangle’s largest physician-directed medical practice, caring for patients with musculoskeletal and pain problems through state-of-the-art medical treatment, surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical therapy, occupational (hand) therapy, a chronic pain program, and other medical and diagnostic services responsive to the needs of patients living within the counties it serves. For more information, visit www.triangleortho.com.
About Osiris Therapeutics, Inc.
Osiris(R) Therapeutics, Inc. is a leader in adult stem cell therapy. The stem cells produced by Osiris are obtained from adult volunteer donors, avoiding the technical problems and controversy surrounding other stem cell technologies. Using proprietary methods, these cells are grown in culture to very high numbers, allowing a single donor’s cells to treat thousands of patients. These cells have been used in patients unrelated to the donor, without rejection, eliminating the need for donor matching and recipient immune suppression. Once transplanted, the cells have been shown to promote healing of damaged or diseased tissues.
The Company’s current focus includes the use of adult stem cells to improve outcomes in bone marrow recipients being treated for cancer, to treat Crohn’s Disease, to repair damage following a heart attack and prevent congestive heart failure, and to prevent and treat arthritis. For more information, visit www.osiris.com.
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