Overview of Osteoarthritis
Musculoskeletal joint conditions are extremely prevalent in the US. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common of the dozens of forms of arthritis. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention predicted that by 2020, arthritis will gain more patients than any other disease form in America.
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint but most often occurs in the fingers, wrists, knees, hips, lower back, and neck. Typical symptoms include:
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Joint pain and swelling
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Redness and stiffness
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Instability or immobility
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Crepitus (crackling, popping, or squeaking sounds from the joint)
Because Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease related to “wear and tear” of the cartilage, symptoms gradually worsen over time. While age is the biggest risk factor (common in adults 50+), trauma from accidents or sports injuries are also significant contributors.
Three Types of Cartilage and Their Functions
Cartilage is a connective tissue that acts as a precursor to bone in embryos and remains as a supportive structure in adults. It is avascular, meaning it does not contain nerves or blood vessels. Instead, its cells (chondrocytes) receive nutrients from a gel-like matrix.
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Elastic Cartilage: Found in the ear, throat, nose, and trachea.
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Fibrous Cartilage: Found in the menisci and spinal vertebrae. It is the strongest type, composed of dense collagen fibers to reduce friction.
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Hyaline (Articular) Cartilage: The most common type, found on bony surfaces at joints. It provides a smooth, lubricated surface for low-friction movement. Though vital, it is the weakest of the three types.
Over time, these layers wear down, increasing friction between bones and leading to the development of bone spurs and lost joint space.
Cartilage Damage and Regenerative Medicine
Advanced Regenerative Therapy uses Growth Factors (GFs) or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections to stimulate healing.
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Sources: GFs can be obtained from your own blood (PRP) or amniotic fluid. Amniotic products typically contain 4–8x more growth factors than a patient’s own PRP.
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The Process: Amnion-derived GFs are injected directly into the joint using ultrasound guidance. These proteins stimulate repair, promote angiogenesis (new capillary formation), and offer quicker healing rates.
Conventional Treatments vs. Regenerative Medicine
Conventional therapies (like NSAIDs or steroid/cortisone injections) work primarily to reduce inflammation. They do not increase the number of chondrocytes or improve joint function. Furthermore, long-term use of cortisone can lead to:
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Cartilage loss and tendon injury
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Infection
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Elevated blood sugar
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Fat loss at the injection site
Regenerative Medicine at StemX aims to get patients out of chronic pain and increase mobility without surgery, typically requiring only one treatment with minimal to no downtime.
About StemX
Founded in 2017, StemX is on the cutting edge of regenerative medicine for orthopedics. Located in Solana Beach, CA, we help patients avoid surgery and reclaim their mobility.
Contact: 858-228-4189
Location: 124 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., #206, Solana Beach, CA 92075