Knee Arthritis after Meniscectomy: A Case for Stem Cells?
Knee meniscal surgery is one of the most common surgeries. Previously, it was done as an open procedure, now it is almost entirely arthroscopically done. Yet, as early as 1939 published reports noted joint space narrowing.
In 1948, an English paper described in great detail the effects of surgery on the meniscus. The paper cited lateral meniscus surgery resulted in 50% of patients receiving no relief and 33% of medial meniscectomy received no relief.
The paper also noted the elastic component of the meniscus, it rebounded well from short term loads but not long term loads. No mention was made of excessive weight loads. Post World War II England was not as obese as our current society. It is readily known today that excessive weight is a factor in knee arthritis development. A more recent study cited 60% of patients with partial meniscectomy developing arthritis within a few years.
Change often comes slowly in the world of medicine. Today, regenerative medicine is taking hold as an important emerging field in many medical specialties. In regards to knee meniscus injuries and knee meniscal surgery, many patients are turning to regenerative medicine and stem cells as a viable alternative to surgery, or after surgery has failed to provide relief. Dennis M. Lox, MD, a Sports and Regenerative Medicine Specialist in the Tampa Bay, Florida area has seen this presentation frequently. Dr. Lox has reviewed the medical literature and seen many patients over the years with knee arthritis after meniscectomy, many now facing the question of should they undergo a total knee replacement. Dr. Lox was one of the early physicians who began treating knee meniscal problems and knee arthritis with stem cells. One of the most attractive aspects to stem cell treatment is there really is no down time compared to surgery, and stem cell therapy does not preclude surgery in the future, whereas surgery is irreversible. Clinical trials with stem cells for knee osteoarthritis have shown that stem cell therapy have passed safety trials, even when using donor (allogenic) cells.
In the United States there is presently no FDA approved stem cell treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Clinical trials to date using donor cells were going to be classified as drugs, and none have been approved yet. However, it is acceptable and approved to preform stem cell treatments with the patient’s own cells as long as it is done the same day and follows certain parameters.
Dennis M. Lox, MD, serves patients in the greater Tampa Bay area, including, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa, New Port Richey, Sarasota, Orlando and Spring Hill. He has been pleased to accommodate the needs of patients throughout Florida, the United States, the Western Hemisphere, and Europe, as well. Located in the 33765 area, our office can be reached at (727) 462-5582.
