Special Announcement - Now Screening for FDA Approved Stem Cell Study
Dr. Mitchell Sheinkop has completed training and is credentialed for an FDA-approved stem cell clinical trial for knee arthritis. Our clinic is now screening patients for this trial. Contact us at 312-475-1893 for details. Click here to learn more.

Vanity, Anecdote and Evidence; how far I will go to present the facts

As regular readers of this Blog are aware and as well, those patients who seek consultation in my office, my cellular orthopedics practice is based on clinical evidence. While the largest marketer of stem cells in the Midwest, bases a recommendation for a product without scientific evidence or even anecdote, my practice is evidence based. While it is true that I can site anecdote after anecdote about a successful outcome, the scientific process requires that I provide statistical support for what I do. The subject of this particular blog is to share with you how far I will go to gather that evidence.

About six months ago, I completed a combined Bone Marrow Concentrate Intra-articular (into the joint) /Subchondroplasty (into the bone) in the right knee of a dairy farmer, in his early 60s, living in Southwest Wisconsin. He was able to follow up at my office in Des Plaines twice following the intervention; but owing to the fall harvest, he had been unable to return for the third follow up in a timely manner. My desire is to assure the success of the procedure, rather than having completed a telephone interview, my wife and I headed out this past weekend to Dodgeville, Wisconsin, where I completed the full evaluation in a booth at the local Culvers.  In addition to the usual historical review of progress, I completed a Physical Examination of the patient including circumferential measurement of the thigh, knee and calf using a tape measure and an assessment of his range of motion using a goniometer for accuracy. I think that the diners at Culvers were just as fascinated at what was taking place in our booth as I was watching the customers in the drive through ordering an early lunch while carrying a recently harvested buck in the back of their pickups. It is deer season in Wisconsin.

Suffice it to say that my patient was thrilled at my willingness to save him a trip to Chicago but he was even happier about the outcome in his arthritic knee. I was thrilled at his response to care. Whereas prior to the right knee intervention, he had constant pain and limitation in function, at six months, the pain and swelling are gone and he has unlimited function be it on stairs, kneeling or climbing in and out of the tractor. What separates me from the madding crowd is the data and evidence for which my recommendations are advanced. Incidentally, two blogs ago, I listed our clinical trials, the basis for our evidence  based practice. Below is the trial in which my Wisconsin patient is enrolled and for which I sought follow up:

  1. Stem Cell Counts and the Outcome of Bone Marrow Concentrate intra-articular and intra-osseous (subchondroplasty) interventions at the knee for grades 2 and 3 OA. (supported in part by Celling). Ongoing

His results are so good that his wife decided to be next in line for her knee that did not respond well to arthroscopic surgery two years ago.

Whether you didn’t respond to surgery or haven’t had surgery, call 312 475 1893 to schedule an appointment or watch my webinar on the website www.ilcellulartherapy.com

This Thanksgiving week, let me give thanks to those who read this Blog

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Evidence Based Cellular Orthopedics

Evidence Based Cellular Orthopedics

The other day, I noted a www.Ilcellulartherapy.com (my web site) request from a patient seeking to schedule an appointment at my office. That phone call had been placed ten days earlier and my assistants failed to respond in a timely manner. When eventually returned, the potential patient indicated that she had decided to seek consultation elsewhere. I can understand her frustration and yet would her orthopedic needs have been better served by placing a second request?  I share this with you and admit we are human; as hard as we try in achieving 100% patient satisfaction, at times the system doesn’t operate as intended. The ultimate question is where to seek Cellular Orthopedic consultation and treatment even if initially, the response is not as either side would like?

For almost five years of a Cellular Orthopedic, Regenerative Medicine practice, I have integrated patient care with clinical research. This is my contribution to the evolving discipline of Stem Cell therapy for arthritis; and is based on what I introduced into orthopedic surgery during my 37-year academic joint replacement career. It is only by monitoring outcomes that we continue to learn and improve results.

Listed below are my clinical research endeavors over the past five years and the basis for my clinical recommendations:

1) Stem Cell Counts and the Outcome of Bone Marrow Concentrate intra-articular and intra-osseous (subchondroplasty) interventions at the knee for grades 2 and 3 OA. (supported in part by Celling). Ongoing

2) Outcomes of Bone Marrow Concentrate (stem cell, platelet and growth factor) Intervention at the Knee for Grades 2 and 3 OA in 50 patients at 2 to 4 years. (supported in part by Regenexx)

3) Outcomes of Intra-articular Bone Marrow Concentrate versus those of combined Intraarticular and Intraosseous interventions for grades 2 and 3 OA at the knee at one year. (self-funded). Ongoing

4) How does the PRP and Mononucleated cell count affect the outcome of a BMC intervention for grades 2 and 3 Knee OA? (a joint project with Greyledge) Ongoing

5) Safety and Efficacy of Percutaneous Injection of Micro-Fractured Adipose Tissue for grade 4 Osteoarthritic Knees, minimum follow-up of 18 months in 30 patients (supported in part by Lipogems)

6) A Lyophilized Amniotic Fluid Clinical Trial for Grades 2 and 3 Knee OA (supported by MiMedx) Ongoing

7) An Amniotic Fluid Cryopreserved Clinical Trial for Grades 2 and 3 Knee OA in 30 patients. (supported by MiMedx)

8) An Amniotic Fluid Cryopreserved Clinical Trial for Grades 2 and 3 Knee OA in 45 patients. (sponsored by Liventa)

We Have The Evidences for Cellular Orthopedics; ask the camp followers to show you theirs.

To schedule an office visit call 312 475 1893   and please be patient.

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Your Stem Cell Health

I have always wanted to incorporate a holistic component into my practice, but, hesitated because of a commitment to patients that I would limit my professional pursuits to allopathic medicine; that is evidence based cellular orthopedics. Given the increasing body of information that healthy pursuits, a fitness focused life style, and yes, supplements, may indeed impact an individual’s activity status, well-being and even longevity; I have decided to network with Nutrition Connection Balance, an individualized nutrition, supplementation and counseling practice that has the potential to optimize your stem cell health, quality and yield.

Now for my confession, I have been using nutritional supplements and pursuing a fitness based lifestyle since entering orthopedic practice some -?–?– years ago. While my genetics stacked the deck against me, the environment in which I have immersed myself has rewarded me with well-being and good health while allowing me to still partake in those recreational undertakings I enjoy at a fairly competitive level. On top of the latter, my professional pursuits keep me at the forefront of the evolving specialty of regenerative medicine. Following my presentations earlier this month to 1500 surgeons attending the Russian Orthopedic Association annual meeting in St Petersburg, Russia, I was contacted by a ballerina, a member of the Bolshoi Ballet based in Moscow. She has a knee condition keeping her from dancing and has been told the only remedy would be a stem cell intervention. Today, I received her images and will reach out later today to The Chicago based to Russian Radio 1240am to help interpret the instructions for the download of the Zip File.

Meanwhile, I digress so let’s return to Medical Nutrition Therapy. The understanding I developed with Nutrition Connection Balance is that the consult may be initiated via phone or in-office. BY calling (847) 985 1200, you will be introduced to the practices of Valerie Early RD, LDN, RPHT and Lauren Chavez RD, LDN. While the standard of web site practice seems to offer nutraceuticals for sale by physicians, chiropractors and other camp followers holding themselves out to be regenerative medicine practitioners and capable of delivering stem cells form frozen and processed amniotic fluid, I have nothing to gain financially from my endorsement other than a healthier candidate with a better chance of a successful outcome following a stem cell intervention.

If you are limited in lifestyle by arthritic or injury generated painful joints or limited function, call for a consultation 312 475 1893 or view my webinar at www.ilcelulartherapy.com. If you want to learn more  about Nutrition and Supplements, call  Nutrition Connection Balance 847 985 1200

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Exciting Cellular Orthopedic Debates

Exciting Cellular Orthopedic Debates

Well, it is really an internal debate as to whether I should have a concentrated platelet rich plasma procedure or a bone marrow concentrate procedure as I get ready for the upcoming ski season. While it is true that I exercise five to six days a week rotating between outdoor cycling, strength training and rowing, the demands of skiing on the knees are such that I need to rethink my approach. I share this personal flow of conscience to provide guidance and council for readers of this blog. As for so many of us senior recreational participants, each activity has unique demands so we must anticipate each activity from a separate approach. While generalized fitness improves the quality of life and even well-being, maybe even prolonging life, if you want to ski with arthritic knees, now is the time to plan ahead.

Let me share with you my plan based on an observation of the outcomes in over 1500 patients in whom I have intervened with Cellular Orthopedic alternatives over the past five years. In the next several weeks, I will undergo a concentrated PRP intervention ultrasound guided into both of my knees. I will be using the upgraded methodologies for preparation of injectate and customize the PRP with our soon to be activated cell counter. This will provide me with a 20x dosage over that which has been available up until the present; and yes, I too have to pay for the methodology. I will then wait until mid-December, and if I am not satisfied, I will undergo a Bone Marrow Cell Concentrate procedure for both of my knees.

Below are two reasons received in the last 48 hours as to why I believe Cellular Orthopedic is exciting:

“My uber-condensed version, though, is that on almost all days in the last 8 months, I’ve had virtually no knee pain with daily activity. That’s a massive improvement from even the 12-month follow-up visit. I first started to suspect things were improving at about 10 months post-op. At 12 months, I was hopeful but still skeptical. At 14 months things, rapidly improved and have mainly remained there ever since. So, on the whole, I’m vastly improved. I suppose any number of factors could have contributed to that improvement, but Regenexx certainly seems to have helped tremendously.”

“Attended the company golf outing this past weekend. Last year I was concerned so I took an Advil before we started and ended up taking another halfway through the 18 holes. The last four holes I didn’t even leave the cart (to sore/tight to get in and out).

This year I fully intended to bring the Advil again but forgot it. Turned out I did not need it. Finished the 18 holes like nothing. Felt fine after and the next day.

Believe we can consider this a win!!!!”

Do you want to enjoy relief from arthritic symptoms and limitations?

Call 312 475 1893 to schedule a visit or visit my website to watch my webinar   www.Ilcellulartherapy.com

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Back from St Petersburg, Russia where I educated the Orthopedic   Surgeons from Russia, Ukraine and more

Back from St Petersburg, Russia where I educated the Orthopedic   Surgeons from Russia, Ukraine and more

“I already started getting numerous enquirers regarding your research and practical application of SCP using bone marrow material. People are asking how can they learn more, maybe pay a visit and observe the procedure with their own eyes. Quick and massive feedback, unprecedented.” This from the sponsor of the meeting of the Russian Orthopedic Society meeting in St Petersburg, September 21 to 23 where I had been an invited speaker to introduce Regenerative Orthopedics and Orthobiologics to an audience previously unaware of developments evolving in the United States wherein a patient symptomatic or otherwise affected by osteoarthritis might postpone or avoid a joint replacement with a needle rather than a knife.

What first struck me on our return from the airport on Monday afternoon while driving down the Kennedy was the unending display of outdoor advertising that really obstructs the view of the beautiful skyline of downtown Chicago. My wife and I had just enjoyed unobstructed beauty for five days in St Petersburg. While a case can be made for freedom of speech, I could rapidly adjust to less visual pollution in our City. Next came the pollution of Regenerative Medicine ads appearing in the newspaper when we arrived home and started catching up on the news. I had devoted four weeks developing my evidence based and outcomes supported, scientific presentations prior to departing on September 19 for the St Petersburg meeting, only to return to claims by local health care professionals without scientific authenticity and without evidence based support. While I was speaking at an international clinical conference to orthopedic surgeons; and the media hype appearing in Chicago and suburban newspapers was direct to the public marketing be it in an ad format or Health and Fitness section of a suburban newspaper, professionals have a moral, ethical and professional obligation to present materials based on evidence and science.   

Perhaps my criticism is the result of a view of health care from the unique perspective of an Orthopedic Surgeon integrating science and outcomes surveillance with clinical care in his practice. These are the reasons why I was invited to introduce evidence based cellular orthopedics to the international orthopedic community. If you want to take advantage of that knowledge and experience for the care and treatment of your arthritic joint, watch my webinar and visit the website www.ilcellulartherapy.com or call for a consultation 312 475 1893.

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Evidence Based Cellular Orthopedics

“FDA Cracks Down On Stem-Cell Clinics Selling Unapproved Treatments”

The Food and Drug Administration is cracking down on “unscrupulous” clinics selling unproven and potentially dangerous treatments involving stem cells.

Hundreds of clinics around the country have started selling stem cell therapies that supposedly use stem cells but have not been approved as safe and effective by the FDA, according to the agency.

“There are a small number of unscrupulous actors who have seized on the clinical promise of regenerative medicine, while exploiting the uncertainty, in order to make deceptive, and sometimes corrupt assurances to patients based on unproven and, in some cases, dangerously dubious products,” FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in a statement Monday. The FDA has taken action against clinics in California and Florida. The agency sent a warning letter to the US Stem Cell Clinic of Sunrise, Fla., and its chief scientific officer, Kristin Comella, for “marketing stem cell products without FDA approval and significant deviations from current good manufacturing practice requirements.”

The clinic is one of many around the country that claim to use stem cells derived from a person’s own fat to treat a variety of conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and lung and heart diseases, the FDA says. The Florida clinic had been previously linked to several cases of blindness caused by attempts to use fat stem cells to treat macular degeneration. Stem-cell researchers praised the FDA’s actions.

“This is spectacular,” says George Daley, dean of the Harvard Medical School and a leading stem-cell researcher. “This is the right thing to do.”

Daley praised the FDA’s promise to provide clear guidance soon for vetting legitimate stem-cell therapies while cracking down on “snake-oil salesmen” marketing unproven treatments.

Stem-cell research is “a major revolution in medicine. It’s bound to ultimately deliver cures,” Daley says. “But it’s so early in the field,” he adds. “Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous practitioners and clinics that are marketing therapies to patients, often at great expense, that haven’t been proven to work and may be unsafe. “Others agreed “I see this is a major, positive step by the FDA,” says Paul Knoepfler, a professor of cell biology at the University of of California, Davis, who has documented the proliferation of stem-cell clinics. “I’m hoping that this signals a historic shift by the FDA to tackle the big problem of stem-cell clinics selling unapproved and sometimes dangerous stem cell “treatments” that may not be real treatments,” Knoepfler says.

“Don’t stop now”. Say I. This Blog has been asking for FDA intervention in those settings where Amniotic Fluid is being marketed as a source of stem cell regeneration for over a year. There is only one way to be safe and not sorry:

You may access my web site   Ilcellulartherapy.com and watch my webinar Or call for an appointment   — 312-475-1893

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