New England Stem Cell Institute Blog

For millions of Americans dealing with osteoarthritis, the quickest and most convenient solution isn’t to call their doctor or even take medication, but rather apply heat or cold to the afflicted joint. These methods have been used by doctors, patients, athletes, coaches, and trainers for decades, but a simple question remains: Is one better than the other? If you’re hoping to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve mobility, should you go with heat or cold? We offer the definitive answer in today’s blog.

Millions of people around the world experience some kind of hand and wrist pain daily, but a very small number actually have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Everything from a bad fall to simply sleeping with your hand in an awkward position can lead to symptoms similar to CTS, but there are a few telltale signs that distinguish the condition. If any of the following sounds familiar, be sure to consult a doctor right away.

If you’ve watched the news or been on the internet in the past 10 years, then you’ve likely heard the term “stem cells.” Scientists and doctors around the world are claiming they can be used to heal all sorts of chronic and acute conditions ranging from carpal tunnel syndrome to back pain to tendon/ligament injuries, but this begs a basic question: What are stem cells? What makes them so special? In today’s blog, we get down to basics and discuss why stem cell therapy is creating so much excitement in the realm of regenerative medicine.

“Toxic Injections”

“Are you being injected with toxins when you go to the doctor?  A recent new study looked at the toxicity of injections given into joints by orthopedic surgeons and related specialities (such as rheumatology, sports medicine, pain management, and physical medicine & rehabilitation).  Specifically, researchers looked at the potential toxicity of corticosteroid injections (aka, “cortisone” injections), local anesthetics such as lidocaine and bupivicaine, contrast agents (dyes used for MRI and x-ray guided injections), and hyaluronic acid (aka “gel” or “viscosupplementation” injections).

Going to the doctor’s office can be a nerve-racking experiences for many people. As such, patients have the option of seeking care from another clinician if they feel their current physician isn’t meeting their needs. While each doctor may be unique, there are common traits that most patients look for in their physician.  Here are the most important characteristics, according to MedPage Today:

Communication 
Empathetic
Passionate
Forthright
Professional
Respectful 
Knowledgable
Thorough

A new study published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine showed that a single injection of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) was both more effective and longer lasting than a cortisone injection for the treatment of symptomatic gluteus medius tendinitis.

80 patients were randomized to receive either a PRP injection or a cortisone under, both under ultrasound guidance.  The PRP injection resulted in greater improvement in pain and function than a single cortisone injection. The improvement after the PRP injection was sustained at 2 years, whereas the improvement from the steroid injection was maximal at 6 weeks and not maintained beyond 24 weeks.

Are Amniotic Fluid products “stem cell” products?

In short, NO!

A new study, published in the March 9, 2019 issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine, seven commercial companies that provide amniotic fluid products (AFPs) were invited to participate in the study. Only 3 companies (the manufacturers of PalinGen®, FloGraft®, and Genesis®  AFPs) agreed to participate and donated AFPs for analysis. The AFPs were evaluated for the presence of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and for various growth factors relevant to orthopedics.

Are you considering “decompression shoulder surgery” (also known as subacromial decompression) for rotator cuff impingement?

A new study published in the Jan. 15, 2019 issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed that “subacromial decompression surgery provided no important benefit compared with placebo surgery or exercise therapy, and probably carries a small risk of serious harms.”

Surgeons have hypothesized that shoulder impingement arises due the rotator cuff tendons getting pinched between the ball of the shoulder and the overhanging portion the shoulder blade (the acromion).

Dr. Tortland was the Moderator and a featured instructor at a stem cell and regenerative medicine course hosted by the Regenerative Medicine Training Institute.  The hands-on course, titled “Hands-On Orthobiologics Clinical Applications, Techniques and Procedures for Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, Pain Management and Spine,” saw 20 physicians from around the country (and one from the Philippines!) learn the knowledge and essential skills needed to begin to introduce regenerative medicine into their practices​.  Dr. Tortland moderated the morning’s didactic lecture session, and he was an instructor in the afternoon’s hands-on cadaver lab workshops.  He also performed a live patient treatment in front of the group.  (He holds a valid Florida medical license.). Dr. Tortland is an internationally recognized teacher in the field of Regenerative Medicine and musculoskeletal ultrasound.

A new study published in the journal Cartilage showed that PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections are significantly more effective than cortisone injections for treating symptomatic arthritis of the thumb. 33 patients were randomized to receive either 2 cortisone injections or 2 PRP injections, spaced 2 weeks apart. They were evaluated at 3 and 12 months after the 2nd injection. After 12 months’ follow-up, the PRP treatment group showed significantly better results in comparison with the corticosteroids.