Disc Stem Cell Success, More of the Story Unfolds

disc stem cell

JS is a long-standing patient who we were managing with steroid epidurals for years. He had a large L5-S1 disc bulge and ultimately decided to undergo a Regenexx-C disc procedure. He did very well, reporting dramatically improved function, a decrease in his medications, as well as being able to sit longer and do thing like Jet Ski. He also hasn’t needed an epidural since 2009, after years of needing them several times a year (usually before tax season, as he works as an accountant). His pre-op disc stem cell injection MRI was dramatic in that it demonstrated a huge disc bulge, ballooning out from the L5-S1 disc. After he reported his dramatic success with the disc stem cell injection, we did obtain a follow-up MRI, but I was frankly too busy to spend time with the before/after films. Yesterday, while getting our disc stem cell data together for publication, I finally reviewed the films. Since they are as impressive as his reported clinical result, I thought they were worth sharing. The pre stem cell injection films are on the left, with the 5 month post stem cell injection films on the right. Note that the before side view (left upper image) has a large “beer belly” in the back of the lowest disc (L5-S1-in the red dashed circle). The before stem cell top view (left lower image) shows the same large bulge in another view (red dashed line). The matched after films on the right show that in both side view (right upper image) and top down view (right lower image), the disc bulge has all but disappeared (yellow dashed line).

Can every patient that undergoes the Regenexx-C stem cell procedure for the disc expect these dramatic results? NO. Here’s a link to a disc stem cell patient that didn’t get these same results. However, since this outcome was achieved with a disc stem cell injection and without surgically removing pieces of the disc, we’re very encouraged that this much less invasive procedure is clearly a next generation option for appropriately vetted patients considering disc surgery.

Learn More About Regenexx® Procedures
Request a digital booklet and more information to learn about alternatives to orthopedic surgery and the Regenexx patient experience.
We do not sell, or share your information to third party vendors. By submitting the form you agree that you've read and consent to our Privacy Policy.
Chris Centeno, MD is a specialist in regenerative medicine and the new field of Interventional Orthopedics. Centeno pioneered orthopedic stem cell procedures in 2005 and is responsible for a large amount of the published research on stem cell use for orthopedic applications. View Profile

If you have questions or comments about this blog post, please email us at [email protected]

NOTE: This blog post provides general information to help the reader better understand regenerative medicine, musculoskeletal health, and related subjects. All content provided in this blog, website, or any linked materials, including text, graphics, images, patient profiles, outcomes, and information, are not intended and should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please always consult with a professional and certified healthcare provider to discuss if a treatment is right for you.

TO TOP