STEM CELL THERAPY
FOR KNEE, HIP & SHOULDER ARTHRITIS
Start Healing & Get Back To Living with
BMA + PRP
Request an appointment
Derrick J. Fluhme, M.D.
ABOS Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
I have been treating knee arthritis for nearly 20 years. I realized years ago that we were simply masking patients’ symptoms with conservative management such as ice, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory), bracing, physical therapy, and injections.
Injections primarily consist of corticosteroids which simply mask discomfort while adding to the deterioration of the cartilage, thus making arthritis worse. There is also Viscosupplementation which is a simple jelly lubricant that is rarely effective on its own. While total knee replacement remains a very effective way of treating bone-on-bone knee arthritis, 9 out of 10 patients that I see do not require surgery. I refer to this as the “purgatory” of knee arthritis; patients with enough arthritis to bother them, but not enough to warrant a total knee replacement. Thus, we are simply masking symptoms until a patient’s knee cartilage is so worn out that they need a knee replacement.
2015 is when it all changed for me. My mother had fallen into that “purgatory” category, and I was on a mission to find a solution. Instead of injections that were ineffective, and potentially adding to the problem, I began using biologic-based injections and have had fantastic success. One of the best parts of my week is seeing the joy my patients are experiencing after being able to return to normal activities without pain.
Biologic injections consist of harvesting and concentrating bone marrow stem cells and growth factors from your own body. These cells are capable of naturally, and biologically, reducing pain and inflammation as well as repairing damaged cells. Rather than chasing the symptoms of arthritic knee pain, and/or providing injections that can worsen arthritis, this option allows us to address the cause of the knee pain by combating the degenerative process. This has provided long-lasting relief of discomfort and improved functioning for those patients suffering from mild to moderate knee arthritis.
Dr. Derrick J. Fluhme
WHAT TO EXPECT
Step 1
BMA (Bone Marrow Aspirate)
BMA The process involves a safe, minimally invasive procedure performed in the office . Bone marrow is aspirated from the back of the pelvis, with a local numbing medication, yielding a rich supply of bone marrow stem cells. The extraction takes about ten minutes, and the cells are injected into the knee right away. The patient can expect to resume normal activity with minimal discomfort. Results may take four to six weeks to take effect, and at that time a booster injection of platelet rich plasma will be given.
Step 2
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
A follow-up PRP procedure is performed 4 weeks after BMA therapy. A small amount of peripheral blood is taken from the patient and placed into a FDA medically approved container. This sterile disposable container is placed in a specialized centrifuge for spinning to separate the whole blood sample into ‘layers’ of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and red blood cells. The PRP layer is aspirated from the red blood cells and is injected into the localized area of abnormality.
BENEFITS
ARE THERE ANY RISKS
Bone marrow extractions and PRP treatments are safe procedures
when conducted by a trained professional in a sterile
environment. Complications are rare but include:
Bleeding, particularly in patients with a low platelet count or clotting disorder.
Infection, in patients with weakened immune systems.
TESTIMONIALS
“Great physician. Always very friendly, very personable, always holds a great conversation, and always very knowledgeable about his area of expertise. I’m so glad that I switched from my previous physician to Dr. Fluhme when I did or else my fracture would have grown worse and I would have probably needed surgery. Thank God for Dr. Fluhme and his awesome practice and everyone there who makes that a possibility, thank you!!”
Tiffany P.
“Wonderful ortho doctor/ surgeon. I realize every person’s recovery is different, but mine was very easy. I am very grateful to Dr. Fluhme – I feel like he gave me back my mobility and my life! I highly recommend Dr. Fluhme.”
Susan A
INSURANCE COVERAGE
BMA and PRP therapy are minimally invasive making them an attractive option to many patients. Unfortunately, insurance plans do not cover this service. However, we have ensured that our pricing is as affordable as possible for this particular care method. Payment can be made with an FSA or HSA account.
Depending on your condition, stem cell therapy can range in the thousands; however, most individuals conclude that stem cell treatment costs are comparable to surgery after considering the out-of-pocket expenses, insurance deductible minimums, rehabilitation and time off work. In addition to listening to the advice of your doctor while making your decision, it’s worth remembering that you can always fall back on surgery if these biologic therapies fail to alleviate symptoms and/or improve function.
BONE MARROW ASPIRATE (BMA)
A NEW APPROACH TO TREATING ARTHRITIC KNEE PAIN
No longer reserved for professional
athletes and the ‘Hollywood elite’, Bone Marrow Aspirate (BMA) is
fast becoming the treatment of choice for everyone.
Red & White Blood Cells
Platelets
WHAT ARE BONE MARROW STEM CELLS ?
Bone marrow stem cells are the regenerative cells responsible for repair and rebuilding damaged tissue. The immature stem cells inside the bone marrow have the potential to develop into mature cells such as the cells of a muscle, vessel, cartilage or bone. The concentrated cells accelerate the healing process, promote strength, offer pain relief and improve overall function. The healing cascade can be active and take place over 4 to 6 weeks. Two of the main stem cells found in bone marrow include:
- Hematopoietic stem cells give rise to the three classes of blood cells in circulation: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. These cells drive tissue regeneration and create supportive circulation.
- Mesenchymal stem cells also known as Marrow Stromal Cells have the capacity to form osteoblasts or bone structure, chondrocytes or cartilage, and myocytes or muscles.
PRP PLATELET RICH PLASMA THERAPY
Platelets are a source of growth factors; and when concentrated in the form of PRP, those growth factors can help to initiate the healing of damaged tissue like tendons, ligaments, and muscles, or reduce the damaging inflammatory environment of an arthritic joint. The healing cascade takes 4-6 weeks to signal stem cells and regenerative cells to repair and rebuild the damaged tissue. Patients can expect to see significant improvement in symptoms and many report a gradual improvement return of function.
Normal Platelet Count
PRP Platelet Count
BENEFITS
Pittsburgh
363 Vanadium Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15243
Washington
100 Trich Drive
Washington, PA 15301
Charleroi
1200 McKean Ave #106
Charleroi, PA 15022
Call Us
724-225-8657