Regenexx Stem cell procedure for L3/4

[Crystal33]

I previously read the regenexx site info and viewed the posted images. Reversal of disc degeneration, which is what we think we should see, does not appear clear cut, not to me at least.

They often seem to credit the procedure to reduction in disc protrusion/extrusion however disc resorption is a natural process often observed in follow up radiology. So questions start springing to my mind when stem cell injection is being credited for it. Additionally you don't know if the images are "cherry picked". I imagine they would be.

In time Mesoblast might have an off the shelf stem cell disc injection product that does not require costly and painful harvesting and expanding stem cells from your own body. How good any of this stem cell technology is for real life disc conditions, if at all, remains to be seen. Like most other back surgery the only certainty is that the doctors and companies involved will profit greatly.

Below is Mesoblast article and images. After initial enthusiasm I now think this largely is a gimmick, aimed at attracting investors more than anything else. Until it is demonstrated in real life degeneration, not artificially chemically induced short term degeneration, I am a skeptic.
They are proposing “Phase 2 Disc Repair trial in 48 patients aimed for Q3 2010” It only has any potential for early stage DDD.

Mesoblast Limited (ASX:MSB) Proprietary Stem Cells Successfully Repair/Regenerate Damaged Intervertebral Disc Cartilage

[wilsonrob]

Crystal,

Thanks for the info. Just an FYI I have had Regenexx to my knee (regrew cartilage) and shoulder (repaired partial tear) so I am a witness to its viability. I am not sure about the Regenexx disc procedure. I believe that they only inject the annulus not the nucleus so it is not really regeneration as much as srengthening the outer disc? I am not sure. I will find out. Desperate people do desperate things.

[wilsonrob]

I got my MRI results back and they don't show any changes to the L3/4 disc from 12/08. Therefore my pain is most likely due to SI joint, SI ligaments and iliolumbar ligament strains. I have gotten some improvement with physical therapy (extension/flexion machine and decompression machine). I am scared to do any RF since it is more of a band aid. I want the tissue to heal not to just kill it. Any thoughts? I will probably try some prolotherapy and PRP as well.