BMAC-HARVEST: Innovational Method in Osteoarticular Pathology Using Autogenous Stem Cells

Abstract

Introduction: BMAC-Harvest is an innovational method regarding autogenous stem cell treatments in various fields of medicine. In osteoarticular pathology it is used for treating chronic pathology cases as well as acute and traumatic ones. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to represent the clinical and imaging results of the patients presented to the Ist Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic of Targu Mures. The results were obtained in the period 2012-2014 after using BMAC-Harvest autologous stem cells. Material and method: For this study the authors have included 28 patients from the Ist Orthopaedic and Traumatology Clinic of Targu Mures, suffering from different musculoskeletal pathologies. The method used on these patients was a surgical treatment, which consisted of injecting BMAC-Harvest autogenous stem cells in a unique dosage. The procedure was conducted in the operating room in sterile conditions. These cells were extracted from the iliac crest after appropriate preparation and general anesthezia. Patients were evaluated from a clinical and imaging point of view at periods of 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment. In the evaluation the following aspects were monitorized in the form of questionnaires: level of satisfaction, mobility and the daily activities of patients. The pain intensity of the patients was measured by using the VAS scale (visual analog scale). For imaging representations the authors used standard radiography and IRM in 2 occurrences and have taken into account every sign which appeared after the treatment.Results: The satisfaction level of the patients was significantly increased after the 12th month evaluation compared to results after 3rd month. The pain got considerably reduced and most of the patients could resume their activity from before the treatment. 4 patients have reported mild and medium pain 12 months after the treatment. Conclusion: Autogenous stem cell treatment is an innovational technique with satisfying results for short and medium periods. The BMAC-Harvest autogenous stem cells can be used with clear indications in locomotor organ pathology and it can help in the recuperation of the patient after a trauma. The BMAC-Harvest autogenous stem cells increase the formation of callus after a fracture or pseudoarthrosis. This is an innovational procedure and it can be used successfully in osteoarticular pathology both chronic and acute.