Related Articles
By: Elton Gómez, Specialist in Regenerative Medicine.
Cartilage regeneration in the knees is one of the greatest challenges in regenerative medicine. Traditional treatments have proven to be limited, but the combination of various advanced therapies can offer promising solutions. In this article, we explore the synergistic approach that integrates hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), growth factors, transcutaneous stimulation, and mesenchymal stem cells cultivated in the laboratory.
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
HBOT involves the administration of pure oxygen at elevated pressures within a sealed chamber. This treatment has been shown to improve tissue regeneration due to:
- Increased oxygenation in hypoxic areas of damaged cartilage.
- Reduction of inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Stimulation of angiogenesis and cellular proliferation.
HBOT enhances the effect of other treatments by optimizing the cellular microenvironment, favoring tissue regeneration.
- Growth Factors
Growth factors, derived from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or cell cultures, play a key role in cartilage regeneration. These bioactive molecules promote:
- Cellular differentiation and proliferation of chondrocytes.
- Reduction of extracellular matrix degradation.
- Modulation of joint inflammation.
When combined with HBOT, growth factors exhibit greater biological activity and enhanced retention at the injury site.
- Transcutaneous Stimulation
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a technique that uses low-frequency electrical impulses to stimulate cellular regeneration. Its application in cartilage repair is based on:
- Improved cellular proliferation and migration.
- Stimulation of collagen and proteoglycan synthesis.
- Reduction of pain and inflammation.
The use of TENS as a complement to HBOT and growth factors boosts the repair of damaged cartilage.
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Cultivated in the Laboratory
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have revolutionized regenerative medicine due to their ability to differentiate into chondrocytes and their immunomodulatory action. Their application in knee cartilage regeneration is optimized by:
- Laboratory cultivation to expand their quantity and improve functionality.
- Intra-articular injection combined with growth factors to enhance their action.
- Administration under HBOT conditions to improve their survival and effectiveness.
The combination of HBOT, growth factors, transcutaneous stimulation, and laboratory-cultivated MSCs represents an innovative and highly effective approach to knee cartilage regeneration. The synergy of these treatments not only improves tissue regeneration but also optimizes the functionality and durability of the repaired cartilage tissue. With ongoing advancements in research and technology, this strategy could become the standard treatment for degenerative joint pathologies in the future.