The Benefits of Regenerative Medicine for Joints

Regenerative medicine interventions using Lipogems microfractured adipose tissue transplantation has exceeded 100,000 cases. Not only professional athletes and sports champions but also ordinary individuals have halted the progression of osteoarthritis through regenerative medicine.

Professor Carlo Tremolada, Scientific Director of Image - Regenerative Clinic, discussed this during an interview with Radio RTL.

The ability to enjoy walking, playing padel, golf, holding grandchildren, or performing any movement can be compromised when joints begin to cause pain due to age or sports trauma. Osteoarthritis is a common condition - in 2021, according to RIAP (Italian Arthroplasty Registry) data, there were nearly 30,000 hip replacements, 20,000 knee replacements, and almost 1,200 shoulder replacements performed. Approximately 53,000 Italians underwent joint replacement surgery in 2021, primarily due to advanced osteoarthritis. This represents the disease stage where any joint movement becomes painful: climbing stairs, opening a water bottle, brushing teeth, sitting, walking, or putting on shoes become impossible movements.

When is regenerative medicine indicated?

Osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative disease: in its initial and intermediate phases, regenerative medicine using Lipogems microfractured adipose tissue transplantation has demonstrated significant benefits, even in elderly and very elderly patients. The process involves aspirating adipose tissue containing mesenchymal stem cells, microfracturing it using the Lipogems method, and then injecting it into the affected joint(s). The microfracturing process significantly enhances the beneficial action of stem cells, promoting not only articular cartilage regeneration but also the anatomical and functional recovery of all joint structures (ligaments, bone capsule, menisci). This regeneration and 'rejuvenation' process begins with the injection and continues its action long-term, achieving maximum benefits after one year.

Can we consider it a preventive therapy for osteoarthritis?

Undoubtedly, regenerative medicine using the Lipogems technique is rapidly changing the approach to treating osteoarthritis, allowing postponement of joint replacement surgery, if it becomes necessary at all. Rather than replacing parts, regenerative medicine promotes and stimulates cells' natural ability to regenerate and build new cartilage tissue in joints.

When is the right time for regenerative medicine intervention?

There is no specific age to begin prevention, but prevention inherently involves caring for your joints before damage occurs. Orthopedic scientific societies indicate Lipogems therapy as a treatment before proceeding to prosthetics. Clinical practice in young athletes, who begin experiencing joint problems as early as age twenty due to overuse and meniscal injuries, shows that Lipogems injections promote regeneration of joint and meniscal damage, enabling them to return to high and elite-level sports.

The Lipogems procedure for adipose tissue harvesting and injection takes approximately thirty minutes, depending on the number of joints to be treated, followed by a few hours of observation before returning home and resuming activities. The only precaution is to avoid overloading the joint in the first 24-48 hours by avoiding sports, though other social activities are permitted. No rehabilitation is required post-procedure. Results develop progressively over time, and Lipogems treatment is repeatable.