SVF: stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis.
In the early stages of joint osteoarthritis (Stages 1–2 out of 4), treatment with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections can be highly effective, providing symptom relief and functional improvement that may last for three to four years.
When osteoarthritis has progressed beyond the early stages (Stage 3 or early Stage 4 out of 4), another treatment option may be considered: an injection combining PRP with stem cells, also known as Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF)*.
Example shown above: on the left, Stage 2 osteoarthritis out of 4, with no bone overgrowth or deformity: PRP is indicated. On the right, there is significant narrowing of the joint space and bone overgrowth: PRP is no longer effective in cases like this, which is where SVF may be beneficial.
This technique is based on the discovery that adipose tissue contains stem cells.
A small amount of adipose tissue can therefore be harvested from the abdominal area, from which the stem cells are isolated. These cells are then injected into a joint, such as the knee, in combination with PRP. The stem cells interact with the damaged joint tissue and may promote a regenerative effect in cases where PRP alone is no longer effective.
The procedure is performed in the doctor’s office. First, an IV line is inserted—a small catheter placed into a vein in the forearm—to administer pain medication.
Next, local anesthesia is administered at two small sampling sites on the abdomen. Two tiny incisions, approximately 3 mm in length, are then made on either side of the abdomen.
Through these two entry points, additional local anesthesia is administered to the abdominal wall. After 15 to 20 minutes, the same two small incisions are used to harvest approximately 30 mL of subcutaneous fat from the abdomen using a specially designed cannula measuring 2.5 mm in diameter.
Cette version évite notamment la répétition de “local anesthesia” et rend la séquence de la procédure plus claire.
The tiny incisions will be closed with adhesive strips and covered with two small waterproof dressings.
The harvested fat tissue is first centrifuged. The fat cells are then mechanically disrupted by transferring the tissue back and forth between two syringes, before being centrifuged a second time to obtain the Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF).
Approximately 15 mL of blood is then drawn through the existing IV line to prepare the Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). The SVF containing the isolated stem cells is then combined with the PRP.
The SVF + PRP preparation is subsequently injected into the knee:
The effects of the injection typically become noticeable after approximately three months, with a reduction in pain and improved mobility. These benefits are expected to last for two to four years.
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