Intradiscal (Inside the Disc) “Stem Cell” Injection

Intradiscal (Inside the Disc) “Stem Cell” Injection

Intradiscal Stem Cell Injection (Autologous “self”) “Auto-ISCI”

 

Auto-ISCI is quite different from “Allogenic” stem cell injection.  At-ISCI involves taking either fat or bone marrow harvest from the same patient who is receiving the cells and then separating the stem cells from the harvested tissue and re-injecting the stem cells into the spinal discs.  This approach and procedure is FDA approved as long as any manipulation of the cells occurs at the point of injection. Presently we do Auto-ISCI for painfully degenerative lumbar discs.

Allogenic “Allo-ISCI” is very different (NOT FDA APPROVED)

It involves taking already prepared stem cells from a foreign tissue donor and then injecting those stem cells into the patient’s discs.  Often the cells are manipulated, cultured or tissue expanded (multiplied without specific tissue expression) before they are injected. (See Mesoblast website.)

 

Post Procedure Protocol:

 

Day (0-3) (Harvest and Injection day+ next two days): Try to stay horizontal as much as possible. Start taking your antibiotics the day of the procedure.  If vertical (either standing or sitting) limit it to maximum of ten minutes.  Lying on back or in recliner is best.  Do pressure reliefs if vertical.   A pressure relief is anything that takes the weight off the spine for 1-2 minutes, either lying down, sitting in a chair and suspending your self by pushing down on the arms of the chair.  Another method would be to lean over on a counter on your folded arms and suspending your legs off the floor.

 

Week 1:  May sit or stand for no greater than 10 minutes without a pressure relief.

Week 2:  May sit or stand for no greater than 20 minutes without a pressure relief.

Week 3:  May sit or stand for no greater than 30 minutes without a pressure relief.

Week 4:  May sit or stand for no greater than 40 minutes without a pressure relief.

 

This can be challenging but good compliance with the protocol does seem to predict success with the intradiscal injection. Flying and driving can be difficult especially in the first week or two, but you can use the arms of the seat to help with pressure relief.