Stem Cell Therapy Singapore

Stem cell therapy involves harvesting specialised cells that can develop into different cell types and injecting them into damaged tissues to promote healing and regeneration. This procedure aims to reduce pain, improve function, and potentially delay or avoid more invasive procedures for various musculoskeletal conditions. The therapy leverages the body’s natural repair mechanisms by introducing concentrated stem cells to areas where the healing process needs enhancement.

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Dr Dennis Ng Zhaowen
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Indications for Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy may be considered for several conditions affecting joints, bones, and soft tissues when conventional treatments have not provided sufficient relief.

  • Osteoarthritis: This degenerative joint condition causes cartilage breakdown and pain. Stem cell therapy targets damaged cartilage with regenerative cells that may help reduce inflammation and support tissue repair.
  • Tendon Injuries: Conditions like tendinitis or tendon tears often heal slowly due to limited blood supply. Stem cell injections can introduce healing factors to accelerate recovery in these poorly vascularised areas.
  • Ligament Damage: Partial tears or sprains of ligaments such as the ACL, MCL, or LCL may benefit from stem cell treatment. The therapy aims to strengthen the healing response within these stabilising structures.
  • Cartilage Defects: Focal areas of cartilage damage or lesions can be targeted with stem cells. This approach may help restore damaged surfaces without extensive surgical intervention.
  • Delayed Healing Fractures: Bones that show slow healing or non-union after fracture may respond to stem cell intervention. The treatment introduces osteogenic potential to stimulate bone formation at the fracture site.

Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy offers several advantages as a treatment option for musculoskeletal conditions that affect quality of life and physical function.

  • Minimally Invasive Approach
    The procedure typically requires only injections rather than open surgery. This results in minimal tissue disruption and reduced recovery time compared to traditional surgical interventions.
  • Reduced Inflammation
    Stem cells possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help decrease pain and swelling. These effects may provide symptomatic relief while longer-term healing processes take place.
  • Tissue Regeneration
    The therapy stimulates the production of new, healthy cells to replace damaged ones. This regenerative capability addresses the underlying tissue damage rather than just masking symptoms.
  • Reduced Recovery Time
    Most patients can return to daily activities shortly after treatment. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure eliminates lengthy post-surgical recovery periods.
  • Potential to Delay Surgery
    For some individuals, successful stem cell therapy may postpone or eliminate the need for more invasive surgical procedures. This can be particularly valuable for those who wish to avoid surgical interventions.

Stem Cell Collection Methods

Bone Marrow Aspiration

This technique involves extracting stem cells directly from the patient’s bone marrow, typically from the iliac crest (hip bone). The collected cells are processed to concentrate the stem cells before injection into the treatment area. The procedure can be performed in a single session.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cells are harvested from fat tissue through a mini-liposuction procedure. The extracted tissue undergoes processing to isolate the stem cells, which are then injected into the target area. This method may yield higher stem cell concentrations than bone marrow extraction.

Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Collection

This approach involves drawing blood from the patient and separating stem cells from other blood components. Prior to collection, patients may receive medication to stimulate stem cell production and release into the bloodstream. The concentrated cells are then injected into the treatment site.

Preparing for the Procedure

Medical Evaluation

A thorough assessment includes physical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic imaging to confirm the diagnosis and determine suitability for stem cell therapy. Blood tests may be conducted to screen for any conditions that may affect stem cell quality or healing potential.

Medication Adjustments

Certain medications, particularly anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners, and steroids, may need to be temporarily discontinued. These medications can interfere with stem cell function or increase bleeding risk during the harvesting process, so adjustments are typically made 1-2 weeks before the procedure.

Pre-operative Guidelines

Instructions regarding fasting requirements, hydration, and activity restrictions will be provided. Patients are typically advised to hydrate well before bone marrow or blood collection procedures, while fasting may be required if sedation will be used.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Anaesthesia Administration

The procedure begins with the application of local anaesthesia to the harvest site and the treatment area. This ensures patient comfort during both the collection and injection phases while allowing the patient to remain awake and responsive.

Stem Cell Harvesting

The selected collection method (bone marrow aspiration, adipose tissue extraction, or blood draw) is performed to obtain the raw material containing stem cells. The harvesting process typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on the collection site and method.

Processing and Concentration

The harvested material undergoes centrifugation or other laboratory processing to isolate and concentrate the stem cells. This step increases the therapeutic potential by creating a preparation with optimal cell concentrations for injection.

Preparation of Target Area

The injection site is cleaned and sterilised to prevent infection. Imaging guidance such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy may be set up to ensure precise delivery of the stem cells to the damaged tissue.

Injection of Stem Cells

The concentrated stem cell preparation is injected into the target area using appropriate guidance technology. Multiple injections may be performed in different locations of the same structure to maximise coverage of the damaged tissue.

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Post-Procedure Care and Recovery

Immediate Care

After the procedure, patients remain under observation for a short period to monitor for any adverse reactions. The injection site may be bandaged, and instructions for ice application and initial activity limitations are provided to minimise discomfort and swelling.

Recovery Timeline

Most patients can resume light activities within 24-48 hours following the procedure. A gradual return to normal activities is typically recommended, with full resumption of high-impact activities allowed after 4-6 weeks when the full benefits of the therapy begin to manifest.

Follow-up Assessments

Regular evaluations track progress and monitor the response to treatment. These appointments may include physical examinations and imaging studies to document structural improvements.

Potential Risks and Complications

While stem cell therapy is generally well tolerated, patients should be aware of possible adverse effects. These include temporary pain or swelling at the harvest and injection sites, which typically resolve within a few days. Infection, though rare, remains a possibility as with any injection procedure. Some patients may experience a temporary flare of symptoms after injection before improvement occurs. The body may not respond to the therapy as expected, resulting in limited or no improvement in symptoms.

WHY CHOOSE DR DENNIS NG

Effective & Evidence-Based Orthopaedic Care

Dr. Dennis Ng is dedicated to understanding your unique needs, focusing on restoring
your active lifestyle and overall well-being.

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Specialised Experience In Complex Procedures

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PATIENT-CENTRED & PERSONALISED APPROACH

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Dedicated Aftercare For Optimal Recovery

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AFFORDABLE & TRANSPARENT PRICING

Dr Dennis Ng Zhaowen

  • Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Specialist
MBBS (Singapore)
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MRCSEd
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MMED
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FRCSEdOrth (Gold Medal Award)

Before private practice, Dr Dennis Ng was the former Deputy Head of the Shoulder & Elbow Division and Sports Knee Division in National University Hospital.

He completed his fellowship at the prestigious Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Centre in London, Ontario, Canada, and has rich experience treating professional athletes and returning them to sports. 

Special areas of interests include keyhole and reconstructive procedures of the knee and ankle. 

Common procedures include ACL Reconstruction, Meniscus repair, Cartilage resurfacing, Knee preservation etc.

Insurance

Our clinic is on the specialist panels of the following Health Networks/Insurance Plans, and we are happy to assist with your claims or
attend to any query you may have.

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    Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre

    38 Irrawaddy Road #08-41
    Singapore 329563

    Monday – Friday: 9am – 1pm; 2pm – 5pm
    Saturday: 9am – 1pm
    Sunday & PH: CLOSED

    Other Clinic Location

    Gleneagles Medical Center

    6 Napier Road #07-15
    Singapore 258499

    Monday – Friday: 9am – 1pm; 2pm – 5pm
    Saturday: 9am – 1pm
    Sunday & PH: CLOSED

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    How long does it take to see results from stem cell therapy?

    Results typically develop gradually over 2-3 months as the stem cells promote tissue regeneration. Some patients report earlier improvement in symptoms, while the full effects may continue to develop for up to 6-9 months after treatment.

    How many stem cell treatment sessions are needed?

    Most conditions are treated with a single session initially. Depending on the response and severity of the condition, additional sessions may be recommended at 6-12 month intervals to maintain or enhance the results.

    What factors might affect the success of stem cell therapy?

    Treatment outcomes can be influenced by the severity and chronicity of the condition, the patient’s age and overall health, post-procedure activity levels, adherence to rehabilitation protocols, and the presence of other joint or tissue abnormalities in the treatment area.