Bone Reconstruction and Lengthening Unit
Specialists in bone dysplasias, growth disorders, bone malformations, bone lengthening, arthroplasties, lower extremity sports traumatology, and stem cell treatments.
BONE REGENERATION WITH STEM CELLS
Dr. Nicole Canu is a member of the multidisciplinary ICATRECON team, part of the Bone Lengthening and Reconstruction Unit at the “Institut Català de Traumatologia i Medicina de l’Esport” (ICATME) within the prestigious Hospital Universitari Dexeus in Barcelona.
Dr. Nicole Canu specializes in minimally invasive methods to address conditions associated with inflammation and pain through the administration of growth factors, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), and mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue.
At ICATRECON, we use Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment to address tendon and cartilage injuries, particularly in knee-related conditions.
STEM CELLS OR STEM-LIKE CELLS
PRP TREATMENT – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The treatment is outpatient-based, meaning hospitalization is not required.
First, a blood test is conducted, drawing approximately 40 ml of blood. The sample is processed in a machine that separates the components, extracting the platelets. Once the platelets are prepared, they are injected at the site of the injury, whether it be the knee, ankle, and/or shoulder.
At ICATRECON, we use PRP injections primarily for treating tendon, ligament, and cartilage injuries in the knee, ankle, and/or shoulder. Knees are the most commonly treated due to the favorable outcomes and the prevalence of conditions suited for this therapy.
The injection administered contains mesenchymal cells—primitive regenerative cells with a potent anti-inflammatory effect—benefiting patients by reducing inflammation and, consequently, pain.
The treatment typically involves three injections administered over three consecutive months.
Patients can opt for follow-up treatments the following year or whenever discomfort or pain reoccurs.
Results and effects of PRP vary among individuals depending on the indication, condition, and regenerative capacity.
For example, Dr. Nicole Canu has treated osteoarthritis patients who didn’t require further injections for 2 to 5 years after their initial treatment.
MSC TREATMENT – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Mesenchymal stem cells are cells within our body that contribute to the regeneration and/or repair of damaged tissues, replacing dying cells.
They are currently used in regenerative medicine due to their remarkable renewal potential, enabling the generation of various cell types, such as adipose, bone, or cartilage cells.
- The procedure is conducted in an operating room under deep sedation, ensuring the patient is unaware and feels no pain.
First, a liposuction procedure is performed to extract adipose tissue from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, or buttocks, depending on the patient’s sex and body composition. For athletes, identifying adequate fat reserves can be more challenging.
The extracted fat is then processed in a closed circuit with a pharmaceutical solution that fragments the adipose tissue. Finally, it is injected into the treatment site.
At ICATRECON, we primarily use mesenchymal stem cells to treat tendon, ligament, and cartilage injuries in the knee, ankle, and/or shoulder. Knees are most commonly treated due to the excellent anti-inflammatory results and the promotion of new blood vessel formation.
This treatment is particularly effective for degenerative and autoimmune conditions.
There is no age limit for undergoing this treatment.
MSC treatment typically requires a single injection. The effects manifest faster than PRP, although, as Dr. Nicole Canu points out, results depend on the patient’s condition, pathology, and regenerative capacity.
