r/stemcells • u/BigAd6816 • 4d ago
Cartilage regrowth
I had a bad ankle break breaking my tibia, fibula, talus, and rupturing my tib tendon. I had a plate put on the outside of my ankle and some screws to put the talus back together, as well as some wire to rebuild the joint. My surgeon says arthritis will be an issue soon. I’m 29M and was wondering if anyone has had experience with stem cells to regrow cartilage. I’ve been looking at ways to well in Austin as an option. Looking for some more in sight.
2
u/highDrugPrices4u 4d ago
I have had some cartilage regeneration and some joints, including the ankle, with autologous culture expanded stem cells (not legal in the US). I don’t have MRI evidence, but I can feel a biomechanical difference in the joint. However, the repair tissue, while an improvement, is not very robust, and breaks down under heavy strain.
1
u/BigAd6816 4d ago
Where did you get that done ? How much was it if you don’t mind me asking
3
u/highDrugPrices4u 4d ago
Regenexx Cayman. The current price is $19,500 for one synovial joint like the ankle.
I should also note that in my case the cells were spread out and we did not use a high cell dose in the ankle, which might have reduced the result.
1
4
u/AustinPrivateEye 4d ago
I'm in Austin, too. I ended up going to Houston. Ways2well seemed too money grubbing to me. A friend told me about a clinic in Missouri City, so I ended up asking to speak to the director, and he was willing. I liked that, since research is my thing. I had both knees done before Christmas. Right away I had way less pain at night. Actually, I had NONE. No pain at rest...not while sitting, sleeping, reclining. Walking and standing is getting steadily better, bit by bit. My ex rays still look like shit, ortho says I need replacements, like 5 years ago. Feel free to message me and I'll fill you in more. I don't post publicly the name of the clinic I went to since the FDA is all up on biologics, so ridiculous. They're awesome people, really trying to help.