Amniocyte Therapy
Prior to the routine use of umbilical tissue for stem cell therapy, amniocyte therapy was widely used as an excellent regenerative medicine product. This tissue is found in the amniotic fluid, within the amnion. It is most valuable for its high concentration of cytokines and growth factors, which are seen in higher concentration than any other regenerative medicine product. This product also helps to create a crosslinking matrix that enhances healing tissue strength. It is understood that this product does not contain stem cells like the product collected from the umbilical cord, but this product may attract stem cells to the area. Additionally, this product has healing factors in concentrations not seen in any other product offered, helping to create healing and enhancing the body to begin its own healing response. For some, this type of therapy can be performed as a stand-alone treatment with great success. For others, it is best used in combination with either platelets or stem cells to create the highest level of healing.
Following a healthy, full-term delivery, the amniotic fluid and umbilical cord may be collected. Cytokines, growth factors, scaffolding proteins, naturally occurring exosomes, and hyaluronic acid are collected from the amnion. The final amniocyte product is then placed in a vial and stored at -196°. At the time of your treatment, the product is thawed within the vial, drawn into a syringe and placed into the target area under either ultrasound or fluoroscope guidance.
Amniocyte therapy is a safe and conservative treatment option for multiple musculoskeletal conditions, including joint degeneration, cartilage injury, tendon injury, ligament injury, facet joint injury and disc injury.
All regenerative medicine patients at Spine & Joint Solutions will receive a comprehensive approach to their treatment process. This will include a full consultation, during which all questions will be answered. A packet will be provided that includes information on what to expect before, during and after the procedure. This will include post-injection protocols and activity modifications, as well as what to expect from the rehabilitation process, which begins four weeks after the injection. An outline describing an anti-inflammatory diet, suggested supplements, and recipes will also be included. Patients may be asked to wear a brace or use crutches to offload the joint or spine region that was treated.
Additionally, each patient who undergoes treatment with either PRF, amniocytes, or stem cells will be asked to take part in the research that is being conducted at Spine & Joint Solutions. This will consist of filling out simple questionnaires before treatment and again at specific points following treatment.
