What would we do if we did not have our hands… To perform our daily tasks, to touch people, to gesture, to do your favourite hobby, to paint or draw a piece of art, to play guitar, to play piano… being without normal functioning hands pose a significant debilitation.
Hand and wrist injuries significantly affect a person’s ability for daily chores. Arthritis of the thumb, Carpal Tunnel syndrome, triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tear and trigger finger are some of the common hand and wrist problems that show a significant impact on regular activities. Sports people are often prone to the risk of hand and wrist injuries that makes them stay away from playing their favourite sport. Repetitive hand and wrist movements can cause pain, swelling, and bruising, thereby leading to an inability to move the hand. Taking an instant pain reliever will not address the underlying condition that is causing pain. Conservative treatments for hand and wrist conditions, such as surgery or physiotherapy might require longer periods of time for recovery. Surgery for wrist and hand problems requires hospitalization and recovery takes a prolonged period of time. Also, surgery involves a risk of complications and the development of side effects like post-surgical infections and nerve damage, which might delay the recovery even more. Our biological cells can facilitate and enhance tissue regeneration in a much faster way than anticipated.
Regenerative medicine is an advanced branch of medicine that deals with the research in tissue regeneration and repair. It has currently evolved as an effective treatment option for various medical conditions including orthopedic injuries. The regenerative treatment process enables tissue repair and regeneration of the healthy tissue. Advanced regenerative treatments for orthopedic conditions like hand and wrist problems provide faster recovery with less time for rehabilitation.
Stem cell therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of hand injuries, such as tendon injuries, nerve injuries, and cartilage injuries. Here are some recent advances in stem cell therapy for hand injury:
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for tendon injuries: MSCs are multipotent stem cells that have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, including tendon cells. Recent studies have shown that injecting MSCs into the site of tendon injury can promote tendon regeneration and improve function.
Neural stem cells (NSCs) for nerve injuries: NSCs have the ability to differentiate into nerve cells and promote nerve regeneration. Recent studies have shown that NSCs can be used to treat peripheral nerve injuries, including those in the hand, by promoting nerve regeneration and improving sensory and motor function.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) for cartilage injuries: PRP is a plasma concentrate that contains growth factors and cytokines that can promote tissue regeneration. Recent studies have shown that combining PRP with Adipose derive stem cells (ADSCs), which have the ability to differentiate into cartilage cells, can promote cartilage regeneration and improve function in patients with hand cartilage injuries.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for tissue engineering: iPSCs are adult cells that have been reprogrammed to have the properties of embryonic stem cells. Recent advances in iPSC technology have enabled researchers to create iPSC-derived tissues, including skin and bone, that can be used for tissue engineering and repair in hand injuries.
Overall, stem cell therapy holds great potential for the treatment of hand injuries, and ongoing research is focused on optimising its use and expanding its applications.
Contact CryoSave South Africa now to learn more about this life-saving opportunity.
References:
Meng HY, Lu V, Khan W. Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Potential Restorative Treatment for Cartilage Defects: A PRISMA Review and Meta-Analysis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021 Dec 8;14(12):1280.
Jiang S, et al. Research Progress on Stem Cell Therapies for Articular Cartilage Regeneration”, Stem Cells International, (2021); 2021: 1-25.
