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Individuals with orthopedic issues, joint pain, or degenerative conditions
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Regenerative Medicine
Lipogems®: The Regenerative Medicine Revolutionizing Orthopedics, Aesthetics, and More
In recent years, scientific research has opened new frontiers in tissue regeneration, offering innovative solutions for the treatment of joint disorders, skin rejuvenation, and much more. One of the most advanced methods, backed by scientific research, is Lipogems® , a patented system developed by Professor Carlo Tremolada of Image Regenerative Clinic in Milan. This technology harnesses micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) , rich in mesenchymal stem cells and natural growth factors , to support tissue repair and regeneration in a safe, effective, and minimally invasive way. What are the Most Promising Clinical Applications of Lipogems®? Lipogems®: Innovation in Regenerative Medicine for Joints, Skin, and More Regenerative medicine is transforming the medical landscape, offering advanced solutions for various conditions. Among these innovations, the Lipogems® system stands out for its effectiveness and versatility . Developed and patented by Professor Carlo Tremolada at Image Regenerative Clinic in Milan, Lipogems® utilizes micro-fragmented adipose tissue to promote tissue regeneration across multiple medical fields. What is Lipogems®? Lipogems® is a technology that processes autologous adipose tissue through a closed and sterile system , without the use of enzymes or chemical substances. This method preserves the integrity of mesenchymal stem cells and pericytes , which play a crucial role in tissue regeneration. The result is a standardized-quality product , ready to be used in various clinical applications. Clinical Applications Orthopedics : Lipogems® is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis and tendinopathies , helping reduce pain and improve joint function . Beauty : In the aesthetic field, Lipogems® is applied for skin rejuvenation, volume correction, and overall skin quality improvement . Gynecology : The system is used to treat post-menopausal vulvovaginal atrophy , improving tissue elasticity and hydration . Coloproctology : Lipogems® shows potential in treating anal fistulas and fissures , offering a regenerative approach that promotes faster and less invasive healing compared to traditional methods. Crohn’s Disease : A clinical trial is currently underway at Sant'Orsola Hospital in Bologna , where Lipogems® is being studied for the treatment of perianal complications associated with Crohn’s disease. Chronic Wounds and Diabetic Foot : Lipogems® is used in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and other complex wounds , leveraging the regenerative properties of adipose tissue to accelerate healing and reduce infection risks . Lipogems® represents a breakthrough in regenerative medicine , offering effective and minimally invasive solutions for a wide range of conditions. Ongoing research and advancements in application techniques will further expand its potential, improving the quality of life for many patients .
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Press
Regenerate Your Body and... Get Back in the Swing
Image Regenerative Clinic, located in central Milan, is an internationally recognized regenerative medicine clinic specializing in harnessing the body's natural resources, supported by collaborations with prestigious academic institutions. The sophisticated facility encompasses 11 medical offices equipped with state-of-the-art devices and an operating complex comprising three surgical suites. Image Regenerative Clinic is Italy's premier regenerative medicine center. Its flagship technology is Lipogems®, an innovative system that processes adipose tissue while maintaining its vascular structure and extracellular matrix intact. This methodology utilizes mesenchymal cells present in adipose tissue to stimulate tissue regeneration, proving particularly effective in athletic recovery and treating musculoskeletal conditions. The Lipogems® treatment is distinguished by its ability to preserve tissue microenvironment integrity, ensuring enhanced therapeutic efficacy through the release of growth factors and cytokines that promote the body's natural repair processes.
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Press
Knee: Focus on Swing and Follow-through
Golf itself does not harm joints, but certain errors in the characteristic movements of our sport increase injury risk or exacerbate existing pain, especially in those over 65. The rapid extension of the knee in semi-flexed position, significant internal tibial rotation, and high joint load during swing phases are when golfers, regardless of skill level or gender, are most at risk for stress fractures, meniscal tears, and cartilage damage. With age, the cartilage lining the knee joint bones and the shock-absorbing menisci tend to wear down, becoming more fragile. When subjected to excessive stress, including from errors or repeated swings, these structures can become inflamed and damaged, making not only playing but also standing and walking painful. To prevent these issues, maintaining proper biomechanics during swing, performing targeted muscle strengthening exercises, and considering orthopedic supports when necessary are essential. For persistent pain, modern regenerative techniques such as Lipogems treatment, which utilizes autologous adipose tissue rich in mesenchymal cells, can provide an effective therapeutic solution for repairing and regenerating damaged cartilage tissue.
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Regenerative Medicine
Trigger Finger: What It Is and Treatment Options, Including Regenerative Medicine
You may wake up in the morning or during manual work to find a finger locked and stiff in a bent position. This can affect chefs, musicians, painters, smartphone and computer users, as well as athletes. It's an unpleasant sensation, as if the finger catches or clicks during flexion-extension movement. If this occurs, you may have Notta's disease, or stenosing tenosynovitis of the flexor tendons, more commonly known as trigger finger. We discuss this condition with Dr. Laura Loda, hand surgeon at Image Regenerative Clinic. What is trigger finger and what causes it? Risk factors for trigger finger include gender and age, with women and people over 40 being more susceptible, as well as certain medical conditions (diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, connective tissue diseases, and congenital digital canal stricture causing trigger finger in children). What are the symptoms of trigger finger? Symptoms of trigger finger include swelling at the base of the finger, tenderness at the finger base which may reveal a small nodule upon palpation, movement difficulty, finger clicking, and finger locking in flexion or extension. How is trigger finger diagnosed? Trigger finger diagnosis is made during specialist examination through clinical evaluation and palpation of the tendon thickening that causes pain at the base of the finger. What are the treatment options for trigger finger? In early stages, conservative treatment is indicated, which may include arnica, ice, corticosteroid injections, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, ozone therapy, ultrasound, laser therapy, tecar therapy, more frequent breaks from repetitive manual work, and splinting. Post-operative physiotherapy treatment by a physical therapist is recommended to prevent scar tissue adhesions and enable faster, more satisfactory recovery.
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Sport Trauma
Golf and Knee Pain: Regenerative Medicine to Continue Playing Golf
Golf is a recommended sport for those over 65, individuals who are not in perfect musculoskeletal condition, and those with knee problems. Precisely because golf can be played even when the musculoskeletal system is not in perfect condition, it's important to be careful and avoid aggravating existing conditions. Why Does Knee Pain Occur? Twisting, rotation, and loading of the knees increase during swing phases, especially when the movement is not executed perfectly. Amateur golfers, in particular, may experience increased knee pain both on the green and in daily life. In those over 65, knee pain causes can vary: osteoarthritis, chondropathy (cartilage deterioration covering the knee's bone components), tendinitis and tendinopathy, overuse stress, trauma from the past, and meniscus pathologies. Regenerative Medicine and Knee Pain: How Does It Work? Medical research has demonstrated that damaged joint tissues can be aided in regeneration through regenerative medicine treatments (orthobiology). Mesenchymal stem cells present in adipose tissue promote natural tissue repair, enhancing joint functional recovery through the secretion of growth factors and bioactive molecules. The Lipogems procedure involves harvesting adipose tissue through microliposuction, followed by a micro-fragmentation process that preserves cellular integrity and extracellular matrix. The processed tissue, rich in mesenchymal stem cells, is then injected into target joints. The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting in approximately one hour, requiring no hospitalization. Patients can return to normal activities after a brief observation period, with temporary soreness resolving in 3-4 days. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Injections: What Happens Post-Treatment? Once injected, mesenchymal stem cells exert anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects, promoting vascularization and nutrient supply necessary for tissue repair. This process leads to the formation of new functional tissue that progressively improves joint functionality. Lipogems: How Long Do Results Last? Lipogems treatment benefits manifest gradually and can continue improving for over a year post-treatment. Efficacy varies based on individual patient factors. In early osteoarthritis, a single injection may be sufficient, while advanced cases might require treatment repetition every 2-3 years. For golfers, this approach enables maintained athletic activity without pain for extended periods.
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Press
Swing and Backswing: Understanding Your Shoulder Pain
Golfers inevitably experience shoulder pain at some point. The pain varies among different types of golfers, often manifesting from backswing to follow-through, particularly in those who perform over-swing movements. Inflammation and pain should not be disregarded. Professional golfers' shoulders are affected by numerous repeated swings, while amateur golfers suffer from technical and postural errors. Young male golfers are more susceptible to muscular issues and tendon strains, female golfers experience more articular cartilage damage due to greater joint laxity, and mature golfers may exacerbate age-related tendinitis and arthritis. During swing and backswing, tendon inflammation typically causes more acute pain, while articular pain prevents proper backswing completion. Excessive swing amplitude, excessive force applied to the ball, frequent shots with minimal rest, and unsuitable clubs can trigger persistent pain that often continues through the night. Various conventional treatments exist for pain management (hyaluronic acid, corticosteroids, PRP). Scientific literature indicates that regenerative treatment using mesenchymal stem cells extracted from micro-fragmented adipose tissue via Lipogems technology, subsequently injected into the affected shoulder area, demonstrates superior clinical and functional outcomes compared to conventional therapies. The Lipogems method maintains and enables the body to safely utilize stem cell properties (anti-inflammatory and tissue regenerative) by preserving them in their natural environment. Lipogems is extensively utilized by athletes to repair and regenerate cartilage damage from overuse - as demonstrated by Italian national ski team champions - and to enhance clinical and functional outcomes while reducing recovery time following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Benefits duration varies by individual factors but typically extends beyond two years. Injections are repeatable.
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Regenerative Medicine
Lipogems: The New Frontier in Orthopedic Repair
For several years, adipose tissue has been gaining increasing interest as an ideal source of mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative treatment of various pathologies and degenerative processes affecting our organism. While the use of isolated or cultured mesenchymal stem cells remains subject to safety and efficacy concerns, Lipogems technology, currently available in 27 countries worldwide, offers a completely natural and safe way to utilize the regenerative properties of adipose tissue. Lipogems processes even minimal quantities of adipose tissue in a completely closed system, harvested with minimal trauma from a donor site (abdominal region, flanks, gluteal region, thighs). The adipose tissue processing eliminates inflammatory components (oil, blood, cellular debris) and reduces cluster size, resulting in a homogeneous and highly manageable final product suitable for intra-articular infiltration of shoulder, knee, hip, ankle, and other tendinous and ligamentous structures. The resulting micro-fragmented adipose tissue preserves intact adipose niches - the fundamental morpho-functional units of the tissue - with their vasculo-stromal network where mesenchymal stem cells and their precursors can optimally perform their regenerative function. This is the key distinction between Lipogems technology and traditional methods using mesenchymal stem cells: preserving the natural microenvironment of the adipose niche to maintain the regenerative potential of stem cells and their functions. Lipogems technology utilizes minimally manipulated adipose tissue rather than cellular fractions extracted from it. Ideal for Arthritis and Inflammatory Lesions of Tendons and Ligaments, and Beyond The primary orthopedic indications for Lipogems regenerative treatment include degenerative arthritic processes affecting articular cartilage (degenerative chondropathy), degeneration and/or inflammatory lesions of menisci and all peri-articular tendinous and ligamentous structures causing pain and limited joint functionality. Lipogems can also accelerate any healing process when combined with surgical procedures. The entire procedure can be performed under local anesthesia with optional sedation (recommended for anxious patients or those with poor compliance), takes approximately one hour, and requires no post-operative hospitalization. After adipose tissue harvesting and processing, articular infiltrations are performed immediately using standard technique or under ultrasound guidance to precisely identify the target structure. Tissue regeneration is a long process that occurs and amplifies over the first six months, progressively increasing joint functionality and improving quality of life, often avoiding the need for invasive surgical procedures. For information and appointments: info@istitutoimage.com (+39) 02 7628 0736
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Regenerative Medicine
That Annoying Pebble in Your Shoe That Isn't There: Morton's Neuroma and Lipogems Technology
About 10% of people with foot pain suffer from this condition, which has been prevalent since the 1800s when Dr. Thomas G. Morton systematically outlined its clinical and pathogenetic characteristics, giving the syndrome his name. What is Morton's Neuroma? Morton's Neuroma is one of the most insidious causes of forefoot pain, characterized by electric shock-like sensations radiating to the metatarsal region, toe tingling, and the typical uncomfortable sensation of having a pebble in the shoe. Neuroma is an improper term describing an epineural fibro-cicatricial thickening of an interdigital nerve (responsible for cutaneous sensitivity of the toes) caused by chronic mechanical trauma. The neuroma is located in 80% of cases in the third metatarsal space (between third and fourth toes), where the metatarsal heads and deep metatarsal ligament are more mobile and create continuous friction on the nerve. Women are more frequently affected due to constrained foot positions in high heels with narrow toes, resulting in plantar load imbalance. Other predisposing conditions include hallux valgus, ligamentous laxity, certain sports activities, and rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosis is primarily clinical (though radiological examinations are often required to exclude other articular and bone pathologies), and traditional therapy has been somewhat uncertain. Treatment ranges from custom orthopedic insoles created after baropodometric examination, NSAIDs, and local anesthetic and corticosteroid injections in early stages, to sclero-alcoholization or surgical intervention in more persistent cases resistant to previous treatments, often without achieving significant benefit, requiring about 30 days of recovery and resulting in residual toe sensitivity deficits. Lipogems: The Innovative Solution Lipogems, the technology that optimizes and amplifies tissue repair and regenerative mechanisms through microfragmented adipose tissue transplantation, utilizes the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties of exosomal molecules produced and released by mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue to resolve metatarsal pain, restoring adequate ambulatory function and improving quality of life without requiring surgical intervention. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia: after harvesting a minimal amount of adipose tissue from the abdominal region or flanks, it is processed using the Lipogems technique to obtain the minimally manipulated final product, which can be easily injected around the interdigital nerve at the third metatarsal space. The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes and requires no hospitalization. Clinical results demonstrate that Lipogems treatment provides significant pain relief and improved foot functionality in most treated patients, with effects maintaining over time due to the regenerative properties of the processed adipose tissue.
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Sport Trauma
Orthopedic Lipogems - The New Frontier in Sports Medicine
An article from Orthopedics This Week, the most authoritative editorial in Orthopedics, highlights professional athlete Brian Farber's case treated with Lipogems at San Diego Orthobiologics Medical Group. The San Diego Sockers player spent two years away from the field due to a patellar tendon tear before finding relief through Prof. Tremolada's Lipogems method, administered by Dr. Rogers. The Lipogems system utilizes adipose tissue harvested through lipoaspiration to create injectable material. The technology preserves adipose tissue integrity, maintaining its vascular network and extracellular matrix, supporting enhanced tissue integration. Unlike systems using enzymatic Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF), Lipogems is an FDA-cleared device for adipose tissue processing, applicable in orthopedic, arthroscopic, neurosurgical, general, and reconstructive surgery. The Lipogems device consists of a transparent cylinder with filters and spheres for adipose tissue micro-fragmentation. The filters are equipped with Luerlock connectors to attach syringes containing lipoaspirate and processed tissue collection. Lipogems' unique advantage is maintaining the complete regenerative environment of adipose tissue, enhancing cellular vitality and regenerative capacity. The present mesenchymal cells require support from other cells and proteins to exert their healing benefits. In athlete Farber's specific case, following Lipogems treatment, a rehabilitation program was followed including physical therapy, progressive strengthening, and BEMER technology. After only six months of treatment, the athlete returned to professional play, in stark contrast to the previous two years of ineffective therapies.
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Regenerative Medicine
Lipogems: Thousands of Orthopedic Patients Can Benefit from FDA-Cleared Technology Using Their Own Body Fat
The Lipogems system, patented by Prof. Tremolada in 2010, is an FDA-cleared advanced technology that utilizes the patient's adipose cells to support the healing process. It is currently present in dozens of countries and is used by highly qualified orthopedic surgeons and physicians affiliated with major universities and private clinics. Advantages of Lipogems Technology Adipose tissue contains one hundred to five hundred times more reparative cells compared to other similar tissues. Adipose cells are easy to harvest from the patient and present minimal risk of rejection and infection. The technology is particularly indicated for patients affected by: - Degenerative processes of articular cartilage (degenerative chondropathy)
- Meniscal degeneration and inflammatory lesions
- Problems affecting tendon and ligament structures
- Sports-related joint injuries Simple and Effective Procedure The procedure takes approximately one hour and involves:
1. Harvesting adipose tissue (usually from abdomen or flanks)
2. Minimal processing in closed system with saline solution
3. Micro-fragmentation of tissue
4. Infiltration into target areas under ultrasound guidance Scientific Evidence Lipogems technology is supported by solid scientific and clinical evidence. As emphasized by Dr. Kennedy from the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, patients are entered into a database to continuously evaluate outcomes. Research continues to explore the potential of this technology in regenerative medicine. Patient Advisory It is essential to rely only on qualified orthopedic physicians and verify that the technology used is FDA-approved. Patients should be wary of clinics offering uncertified stem cell treatments or miraculous promises of cartilage regrowth.
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