Stem cells
Specialty of Orthopaedic surgery
What is it?
Stem cells are cells that can differentiate, that is, they can transform into other tissues and organs cells. Stem cells can be found in any grown human body. Stem cells can divide into:
- Totipotent stem cells , which can become any kind of organic tissue;
- Pluripotent stem cells , a cell type that can transform into nearly all types of cells for tissues and organs;
- Unipotent stem cells , which can only produce one cell type;
- Multipotent stem cells , that is, cells which can only differentiate into a limited number of cells;
- Oligopotent stem cells , which can differentiate into only a few cell types.
Stem cells can be found in the bone marrow, in the brain, in the dermis (skin) and in the dental pulp. In newborns, the umbilical cord and amniotic fluid are also rich in stem cells.
What are stem cells for?
Stem cell therapy is currently used in the UK as part of treatment for certain types of blood cancer. Stem cells enable significant blood transfusions after aggressive cancer treatment for conditions such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma .
Because stem cells can regenerate old or damaged cells, there is significant interest in its use for a much wider range of conditions. Stem cell therapy is currently being researched for the treatment of conditions as varied as muscular dystrophy, jaw pain, Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment would consist in a procedure by which the damaged tissues or organs are healed by using stem cells.
Articles related to
Stem cells: a new way to treat arthritis
By Mr Fahad Gulam Attar
2019-09-09
Stem cells are specialised cells in the body. Certain types can be used to treat arthritis, avoiding or postponing the need for serious knee joint replacement surgery. Mr Fahad Gulam Attar, top orthopaedic surgeon, explains how. See more
Stem cells: how do they work?
By Professor Paul Lee
2019-09-08
Stem cell is changing the future of medicine. The therapy may be used to replace cells and tissues that have been damaged due to disease such as osteoarthritis. Expert orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Mr Paul Lee explains how he uses them to repair bone and muscle damage. See more
Stem cell therapy for back pain sufferers
By Mr Mo Akmal
2019-09-03
Stem cell therapy, also known as regenerative medicines, is an exciting innovation in biological science that is now being used to help chronic back pain sufferers. Leading orthopaedic spinal surgeon Mr Mo Akmal explains how stem cells work, what they repair exactly and how they can be used in cases of spinal degeneration or injury. See more
Stem cells for back pain: is it effective?
By Mr Mo Akmal
2019-09-01
Stem cells can be used in cases of spinal cord injury or degeneration to bring relief to chronic back pain. We've asked leading orthopaedic surgeon Mr Mo Akmal if there is much evidence to support how effective the treatment is in comparison to major surgery. See more
Experts in
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Mr Sebastian Dawson-Bowling
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Hip replacement
- Knee replacement
- Stem cells
- Knee arthroscopy
- Hip arthroscopy
- Joint preservation surgery
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Mr Fahad Gulam Attar
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Stem cells
- Knee cartilage replacement
- Sports injuries
- Knee replacement
- ACL reconstruction
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Mr Gordon Shepard
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Joint injections
- Knee cartilage replacement
- Sports injuries
- Stem cells
- Joint preservation surgery
- Joint replacement