GK is a middle aged long distance runner and cyclist who had knee surgery several years ago to “repair” a meniscus tear. Regrettably there wasn’t much repair and the surgeon removed most of his remaining medial meniscus. As discussed in earlier posts, the removal of knee meniscus tissue during arthroscopy can lead to big problems down the road and an advancement in the pace of wear and tear arthritis. This left him with pain on running, cycling, going up/down stairs, and an inability to exercise at high levels. He sought our help for stem cell injections into the knee, hoping to rebuild the meniscus. While we informed GK that rebuilding his largely absent meniscus was highly unlikely with a stem cell injection, he also had an ACL ligament that was likely stretched at the same time as his knee meniscus was injured and chondromalacia under the knee cap. We felt that that the injection of stem cells using the Regenexx-SD procedure into the ACL may provide better tissue integrity for the ligament and better stability for the knee. In addition, using the same cells and injecting these under the knee cap may improve the overall health of this deteriorating cartilage. The patient underwent several injections of his own bone marrow aspirate derived stem cells into the ACL and patello-femoral joint using sophisticated imaging guidance to ensure that the cells were in the correct location, with his last on 11/17/10. Here’s is his report of progress to date:

While Dr. Centeno informed me that he couldn’t help me on the meniscus, since most of it had been removed, he was able to diagnose, and resolve other issues in my knee that were causing me pain.  I had significant laxity in my ACL, and cartilage issues on the back on my patella.  I’ve since undergone two stem cell treatments to address these two problems.  I had the last injection on 11/17.  I’m happy to report that my knee is doing GREAT.  Before the procedure, my knee felt completely unstable going down steps.  I also had significant pain cycling.   Now I’m able to do just about anything without any pain at all.  I’m absolutely thrilled with the results I’ve experienced.