While it is true that surgery is required to treat certain conditions, there have been significant technological advancements in the field of regenerative medicine that may help some patients avoid conventional surgery. This emerging field is commonly known as “Orthobiologics” and physicians at the Andrews Institute, specifically, Dr. Joshua Hackel, are on the forefront of testing these treatments to better understand their safety and efficacy. Dr. Hackel was the first physician at the Andrews Institute and in the region to develop and run clinical trials to test if a patient’s own stem cells have the ability to treat common orthopaedic problems.
Through the use of regenerative biologic treatments (orthobiologics), including stem cell therapy, damaged tissues throughout the entire musculoskeletal system could possibly be repaired and strengthened. There are numerous medical trials and studies underway to better understand if and how these procedures can impact a variety of musculoskeletal problems and orthopaedic injuries.
What is it?
Stem cells are found throughout the body and can be harvested from a patient’s bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissues. These cells have many regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties, so clinicians believe that they may have the ability to treat some common conditions that cause damage to the tissues within the body (e.g., cartilage defects, arthritis, tendon injuries etc.). Dr. Hackel has helped to determine whether or not these revolutionary procedures, designed to help the body overcome common orthopaedic injuries, actually work.
During stem cell therapy trials, Dr. Hackel injects a patient's own stem cells into his or her damaged tissue. By injecting these stem cells into the tissue, healthy cell growth may be initiated. Many of Dr. Joshua G. Hackel’s study participants have experienced improved function and reduced pain level after a single stem cell injection procedure to the injured area. Furthermore, some study participants have retained the benefits of their procedure for several years.
How does it work?
The patient’s own adult stem cells can be found in various tissues throughout the body. In conducting a clinical trial, Dr. Hackel will harvest stem cells from a patient’s bone marrow or adipose (fat) and inject the cells under ultrasound guidance, which helps ensure the cells are precisely targeted to the desired location. Stem cells are unique in that they have the ability to differentiate. This ability to differentiate allows a stem cell to become one of a wide variety of cells (including tendon, muscle and cartilage cells). This ability to differentiate allows a stem cell to turn into the specific type of cell the body needs and also provides a profound anti-inflammatory effect leading to pain relief and resolution of the injury.
Some of the conditions for which Dr. Hackel has tested the efficacy of stem cell therapy include: Knee arthritis; shoulder arthritis; hip arthritis; ankle arthritis; elbow arthritis; wrist and finger arthritis; labral and rotator cuff tears of the shoulder; labral tears of the hip; meniscus tears of the knee; and tendon tears of the wrist, elbow, hip, knee, ankle and foot. He has also tested the efficacy of stem cell therapy on various muscle injuries of the upper and lower extremities.
Request Consultation
Dr. Joshua G. Hackel can help diagnose what is causing your pain and then create a treatment plan that is custom-tailored to meet your needs. Dr. Hackel is dedicated to doing all he can to help patients avoid conventional surgery through the use of a variety of minimally-invasive procedures. He specializes in using the Musculoskeletal Ultrasound procedure to diagnose and treat orthopaedic injuries.
Additionally, Dr. Joshua G. Hackel specializes in Peripheral Joint Injections as well as Regenerative Medicine and Injection Therapy. Whether you have pain due to a ligament issue, cartilage damage, arthritis or because of a past injury, Dr. Hackel can help. He and the medical professionals at the Andrews Institute have the experience, skill and innovative medical equipment necessary to provide you with exceptional care as you move toward recovery.
To schedule your initial consultation, call 850-916-8783 today. Dr. Hackel's office is located at the Andrews Institute at 1040 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Suite 200, Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561.
Stem Cell Therapy
