Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronic health conditions and a leading cause of pain and disability in the world, with a substantial proportion of adults affected. It is estimated that symptomatic OA affects one in eight men and women in the US (27-31 million), In a global study of health conditions, osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal pain ranked in the top 4 percent of worldwide disabilities. OA is a complex, multifactorial disease, with much still to learn regarding mechanisms and progression. . The most commonly affected joints include the hip , knee , hand and foot , and spine. although OA can affect any joint. OA is linked to substantial economic costs estimated in developed countries to be between 1% and 2.5% of GDP. With the rise in life expectancy, the prevalence of osteoarthritis is projected to increase further, resulting in a greater healthcare burden.
Diagnosis is commonly accomplished via clinical examinations and subjective symptoms coupled with a variety of imaging protocols. These are an intrinsic portion of the protocols of this Trial, measuring both the safety and outcomes resulting from three basic approaches to provide both cellular and biocellular therapeutic approaches.
The Trial consists of three separate approaches: 1). Use of guided biocellular therapy (tSVF + Platelet Rich Plasma); 2). Use of guided biocellular and cellular therapy (tSVF + Platelet Rich Plasma + cSVF concentrates); and, 3). Use of cSVF only via systemic deployment suspended in sterile Normal Saline IV solution. Patient's will be enrolled based on the approach considered the most likely to safely attain clinical improvement and compared to others of similar findings in the same musculoskeletal indications.
Follow up and tracking to be extended over a two year period (minimum) following each treatment delivery. Those who do more than one site, or have a repeat treatment, will be followed on separate tracks to maintain the outcomes resulting from single versus double treatments. Management and voluntary enrollment will follow existing HIPPA (confidentiality) rules and regulations in place.
Participants will be requested to report any and all Adverse Events or Severe Adverse Events (complications not anticipated within parameters of usual and customary side effects resulting from such therapies) as may potentially result from any treatment provided (not including the normal "sequelae" of procedures utilized.
Cartilage loss remains the main pathologic features of OA, however OA is recognized to involve aging, inflammation and degenerative changes within the musculoskeletal joint, components, including pathologic changes in the bone, cartilage, and supportive soft tissues, As a natural process within aging and mechanical stresses, the ability of our homeostatic system to maintain a fully functional, pain free system, Weight bearing and repetitive trauma contribute to the demand for attempted repairs after use, it is common for OA to be found in multiple joints within the same individual over time and use.
Another aspect of OA is that it has been shown to be present in multiple joints in the same individual, suggesting a systemic bone response to mechanical stresses. When OA is severe, the bone involvement can be detected on plain radiographs, but radiographs may not detect milder cases. And while radiographs remain the standard means of diagnosing OA severity , these provide no information about the non-bone aspects of OA pathophysiology. Studies demonstrate that diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound as a complementary imaging tool, along with radiography, may enable more accurate diagnostics for osteoarthritis.
Treatments consist of harvesting (with microcannula) a small volume of tSVF to provide the needed stem/stromal cells found in large numbers around the small capillaries and blood vessels (needs typically 5-15 teaspoons). This tSVF is mixed with the patient's own concentrated platelets and guided for placement with use of a high resolution ultrasound for accurate placement. These elements are what are normally used in our bodies for maintaining (homeostasis) and repair (regenerative healing), with the advantage of accurate placement into the bone, soft tissues and joints involved in inflammatory or degenerative breakdown with pain and loss of function.
Each patient will be carefully followed to measure progress and imaging which documents structural changes that may be realized with these treatments. Of most note, the avoidance or postponement of invasive and often difficult rehabilitation is realized.
These procedures have been safely and successfully provided for approximately 15 years, however, without a large series and tracking over a period of years. We are seeking validation of the processes and elements which have been performed and reported in case reporting or small case series.
