Orthopedics

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own joints. This leads to inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis), pain, swelling, and progressive tissue damage.

Beyond joint involvement, rheumatoid arthritis may present with systemic manifestations, affecting other organs and overall health.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the patient’s immune system generates cellular and antibody responses to various components of the joint such as type I collagen. As a result of this immune response, not only does joint destruction occur, but also other secondary complications such as pulmonary fibrosis, renal damage, and even heart damage.

In orthopedics and the treatment of joint disorders, cells capable of reducing inflammation and supporting the regeneration of cartilage and connective tissue play a key role.

Most commonly, cell therapy programs utilize:

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)
These cells exhibit strong anti-inflammatory effects, promote tissue regeneration, and improve joint mobility. MSCs may be donor-derived (from umbilical cord and placenta) or autologous (most often obtained from adipose tissue).

Umbilical cord blood stem cells
These may be used as an adjunct to MSC therapy to support regenerative processes and immune modulation.

Key factors considered by the physician when selecting cell therapy include:

• stage of joint disease

• level of inflammation

• patient’s age

• presence of comorbid conditions

• quality of the patient’s own cells

Results of the therapy always depend on a condition and individual profile. Expected improvements are:

• Reduce inflammation
• Reduce pain
• Reduce scarring
• Immunoregulatory properties
• Regeneration of bones and cartilage
• Increase the elasticity of the ligaments
• Increasing the functional activity of the joints
• Reduction of scars
• Reducing the need for medication