The progressive lengthening of population’s average age and the now widespread practice of sports in middle and late years have determined a rise of degenerative pathologies that involve a large percentage of subjects. These pathologies deeply affect the quality of life and limit activities at a personal and professional level.

As damaged cartilage has very limited intrinsic self-healing abilities, pathological processes at joint level may easily lead to manifestations of serious osteoarthritis.

While it is possible to intervene with symptomatic therapies in earlier stages, later stages of the disease require recourse to more invasive and risky surgical treatments, such as prosthetic replacements. Fortunately, recent studies have shown that the use of innovative biological techniques can regenerate a cartilage-like tissue, delay the physiological evolution of osteoarthritic processes and improve case history.

Within the field of regenerative medicine, in particular, mesenchymal stem cells have been shown to be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis thanks to their healing potential. These cells can be extracted from adipose tissue in a simple and effective way, as fat tissue is easily accessible and contains cells that are stable and little age-sensitive. These characteristics make them ready to use without prior laboratory culture.

NEW KIT FOR HARVESTING STEM CELLS FROM ADIPOSE TISSUE

In our clinic we use a innovative disposable kit for liposuction, preparation and autologous graft of fat tissue. The entire procedure takes place in one step, in a sterile environment and in day clinic. The product which is obtained with this technique is fat tissue processed into small fragments that are progressively reduced in size and purified from fat and blood residues. The entire process takes place in a closed system with full immersion in a physiological solution in order to minimise any traumatic and oxidative actions of adipose cell populations. The product thus obtained preserves the biological characteristics of natural adipose connective tissue and can now be injected through thin needles and minimal trauma thanks to its reduced size.

Besides playing a role in tissue regeneration thanks to its high content of mesenchymal cells, autologous adipose tissue in fluid form should be also considered a filler with viscosupplementation properties when injected into the articular cavity of the knee.

The entire procedure is performed in day clinic and local anaesthesia. 60cc of fat tissue is extracted at the level of the abdomen or the thighs, is then prepared and finally injected into the damaged joint. After the clinical procedure a 24-48 hour period of rest is advisable in order to minimise the risk of inflammation. Ice should be repeatedly applied during the day.