SLAP is an acronym that stands for Superior (topmost) Labral tear from Anterior (front) to Posterior (back) and refers to a torn piece of cartilage in the inner portion of the shoulder joint. The labrum surrounds the edge of the glenoid, which holds the humerus...
Stem cells are pluripotent cells present in various tissues of the body that can develop into specialized, differentiated cells when triggered. Currently, we have stem cell-derived hematopoietic, cardiac, neuronal, hepatic and pancreatic β cells that have been successfully generated and transplanted into recipient animals. There...
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a type of stem cells with the capacity to differentiate into multiple cell lineages. Including chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and adipocytes. MSCs are found in the bone marrow as a small fraction of cells (0.001%–0.01%) and help with new blood cells development....
The Food and Drug Administration approved the clinical trial of stem cell therapy for spinal cord injury, which is housed at Mayo Clinic. This is a promising development as stem cells are poised to be very useful for this potentially debilitating and disabling condition. Spinal cord...
Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disease that attacks the hair follicles resulting in hair loss, thinning or baldness anywhere on the body. It is rare for all the hair to fall out and with treatment, will grow back. Sometimes hair will fall out again but...
Stem cells can be found throughout the body and act as repairmen to stimulate healing and speed repair of injured tissues. Although cell-based injections are promising, there is still a need to determine the efficiency and safety of such treatments. With cartilage and bone damage, stem...
Stem cell and regenerative medicine research have developed new therapeutic strategies that create hope and new possibilities for patients with injuries and disease. Scientists have been able to take any cell in the body and turn it into an embryonic cell with the ability to...
Umbilical stem cells come from the umbilical cord and placenta blood following birth. They can only be harvested after birth and stored for later use in medical applications. The collection does not change the birth and is safe for mother and baby. Cord blood stems cells...
Increasing numbers of young adults are having hip replacement surgery. There are some options that can delay the need for surgery until a later time. From a medical perspective, conventional medical recommendations may help alleviate pain and improve functioning. These options include: anti-inflammatory medicines like ibuprofen...
Chondromalacia patella is when the cartilage under the patella begins to soften causing pain and swelling. The cartilage rubs against the end of the femur causing irritation. Chondromalacia patella is caused by trauma or overuse of the knee that results in improper kneecap movement. Treatment...