What are Stem Cell Treatments

What are Stem Cell Treatments?

Stem Cell Treatments are advanced biological treatment methods that aim to repair damaged tissues and organs by using the body’s natural regeneration capacity. Stem cells are one of the most remarkable areas of modern medicine due to their ability to transform into different cell types and contribute to the repair of the tissue in which they are located. Especially in orthopedics, Stem Cell Treatments are considered a supportive and complementary approach in joint, cartilage, bone, ligament, and tendon injuries.

Prof. Dr. Çetin Işık, who has many years of clinical experience in biological treatments in orthopedics and traumatology, emphasizes that stem cell applications can make significant contributions to joint-preserving treatments when used within scientific limits and with proper patient selection.

How Do Stem Cell Treatments Work?

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells in the body. When applied to damaged tissue, they can transform into the cell type of that tissue according to environmental signals or release biological factors that support healing.

Cellular Regeneration Mechanism

Stem cells in the damaged area may support cell regeneration, regulate the inflammatory process, and accelerate tissue repair.

Reparative and Supportive Effect

The goal in orthopedic applications is not to create a completely new joint, but to preserve the existing tissue and improve its function.

Why are Stem Cell Treatments Important in Orthopedics?

Most musculoskeletal tissues have limited self-renewal capacity. Therefore, interest in biological treatments in orthopedics is steadily increasing.

Joint-Preserving Approach

The main goal in young and middle-aged patients is to delay joint replacement surgery as much as possible. Stem Cell Treatments may be an important part of joint-preserving strategies at this point.

Support, Not an Alternative to Surgery

Stem cell applications do not always replace surgery. In suitable patients, they play a supportive role before or after surgery.

Stem Cell Sources Used in Orthopedics

Stem cells used in orthopedics are usually obtained from the patient’s own tissues.

Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells

Bone marrow is a rich source of stem cells.

Advantages include high biological compatibility and low risk of rejection.

Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells

Adipose tissue is also a rich source of stem cells.

Areas of use include intra-articular applications and soft tissue healing.

In Which Orthopedic Diseases are Stem Cell Treatments Used?

Stem Cell Treatments are considered supportive in certain orthopedic conditions.

Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis

Stem cell applications may be considered in early and moderate stages of joint osteoarthritis.

Supporting Cartilage Tissue

Stem cells may help preserve cartilage tissue and slow progressive damage.

Cartilage Injuries

Biological support is important in cartilage injuries caused by trauma or excessive load.

Sports Injuries

In athletes with cartilage lesions, stem cells may be used to support recovery after surgery.

Avascular Necrosis

In early stages of femoral head avascular necrosis, stem cell applications may be considered as support for joint-preserving treatments.

Prof. Dr. Çetin Işık states that early intervention and biological support may increase the chance of preserving the joint in avascular necrosis.

Ligament and Tendon Injuries

Healing of ligament and tendon tissues usually takes a long time.

Stem cell applications may support healing in Achilles tendon and ligament injuries.

Supportive Use After Orthopedic Surgery

Stem Cell Treatments may be considered to accelerate recovery after orthopedic surgeries.

In some fractures, stem cells may be used to support bone healing.

Who is Suitable for Stem Cell Treatments?

Not every orthopedic patient is suitable for stem cell treatments.

Suitable Patient Profile

• Patients with early-stage joint problems
• Patients whose joint structure is not completely damaged
• Individuals with good general health

Unsuitable Conditions

• Advanced joint osteoarthritis
• Patients requiring joint replacement
• Presence of active infection

How are Stem Cell Treatments Applied?

The procedure consists of several stages.

Harvesting the Cells:Stem cells are obtained from bone marrow or adipose tissue using special techniques.

Preparation and Application: The obtained cells are injected into the damaged area.

Are Stem Cell Treatments Safe?

Since the patient’s own cells are used, stem cell treatments are generally considered safe.

Possible Risks

• Sensitivity at the injection site
• Temporary pain
• Rarely, infection

Are Stem Cell Treatments Alone Sufficient?

In most cases, a combined treatment approach is more effective.

Combined Treatments

• Physical therapy
• Exercise programs
• Medication treatments

Realistic Expectations from Stem Cell Treatments in Orthopedics

Stem cell treatments are not miracle solutions.

What is the Goal?

• Reduce pain
• Improve function
• Delay the need for surgery

Stem Cell Treatments are advanced biological applications considered supportive in joint, cartilage, bone, and soft tissue problems in orthopedics. When applied with proper patient selection, correct timing, and a scientific approach, they may provide significant contributions to joint-preserving treatments. However, they are not suitable for every patient and require specialist evaluation.

With his clinical experience in orthopedics and traumatology, Prof. Dr. Çetin Işık emphasizes that Stem Cell Treatments can provide meaningful results only with realistic expectations and personalized planning.