Amniotic Stem Cell Injections

Amniotic fluid stem cell therapy is relatively new in the field of regenerative medicine, but its role is becoming more prominent as it's potential is becoming more apparent for musculoskeletal repair. This type of therapy is not new and has been used extensively for over 70 years in treatment of wounds, ophthalmology, and plastic surgery. It is simple, safe, and can be done in the office setting.

Where does it come from?

Stem cells are the most basic cells in the human body. They can transform into many types of cells including chondrocytes and osteocytes that are involved with repairing cartilage and bone.

Amniotic stem cells are derived from amniotic fluid obtained from scheduled C-sections from consenting donors. This amniotic fluid surrounds the baby during pregnancy. Normally this fluid is discarded after delivery.

This is not to be confused with embryonic stem cells. Amnionic fluid stem cells are not fetal tissue.

Our amniotic stem cell injections safe?

Yes. More than 10,000 injections have been performed without a single reported adverse effect. All amniotic fluid donors go through a rigorous screening process as determined by the FDA and the American Association of tissue banks(AATB). There is no chance for rejection.

After the C-section the fluid is immediately frozen to -80 degrees Centigrade. The office receives the amniotic fluid frozen in dry ice by delivery. It is then thawed and prepared for injection.

What are the benefits?

The healing process is a complex series of natural processes within the body. Multiple growth factors play a key role in this respect as they initiate and regulate the repair of damaged tissue. Each growth factor released has a specific role in the cellular process that promotes healing and tissue growth. They initiate proliferation of muscle, bone, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage cells and promote matrix formation to create a stronger cartilage, tendon, bone, and ligament.

Amniotic fluid

  • Contains a high concentration of stem cells.
  • Contains no steroids. Instead they rely on naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agents such as cytokines.
  • Contains hyaluronic acid which lubricates the joints and promotes healing. Hyaluronic acid is the main component of Synvisc and Hyalgan that are commonly used today in injections of knee joints. Unfortunately they do not work very well by themselves.
  • Contains more than 10 times the concentration of growth factors than platelet rich plasma that stimulates cellular growth and healing of bone, muscle, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.

    • Am I a candidate for treatment?

    Amniotic fluid stem cell therapy is utilized in the treatment of the following:

  • Arthritis and/or tendinitis of the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, and wrist, and ankle
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Back and neck pain
  • Rotator cuff tears

    • What are the clinical outcomes?

    Amniotic fluid stem cell therapy has been studied in medical journals more than 7700 times. Most studies clearly show that it is superior to platelet rich plasma, bone marrow derived stem cell therapy, fat derived stem cell therapy, hyaluronic acid, and steroid injections.

    Patients typically need only one injection and do quite well more than one year after treatment with decreased pain and increased mobility.

    How much does it cost?

    Amniotic fluid stem cell therapy can cost upwards to $1500-$2000. The advantage is that you typically need one injection per year. Unfortunately most insurance companies do not pay for this procedure.

    For more information about Treatments, or to schedule an appointment, please call 484.468.1480.

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