Regenerative medicine is a rapidly evolving field that holds great promise. Patients often come to our practice with concerns about their quality of life, including how their ankles, feet, and toes are impacting their overall wellbeing.
Living with structural defects and tissue damage can not only be debilitating to a person’s physical health but may also have a major impact on one’s mental and emotional wellbeing. There are a number of options that can provide patients with temporary relief. There are also surgical procedures for patients to consider that could be associated with a long, painful recovery time, among other challenges.
Reduce the need for surgery with Wharton’s jelly allografts.
What is Wharton’s jelly?
Wharton’s jelly is a unique substance found in the umbilical cord at birth that surrounds and supports the blood vessels within the umbilical cord. This special tissue is a byproduct of life and is rich in essential components including extracellular matrix proteins, cytokines, and growth factors.
Wharton’s jelly in Regenerative Medicine:
Wharton’s jelly allografts are tissue products intended for homologous use only that are designed to replace or supplement missing or damaged tissue in the recipient.
Our Approach:
At Emerald Coast Foot & Ankle Center, we are excited to offer the latest technology in regenerative medicine for addressing structural defects, with little to no downtime: Wharton’s jelly Allografts.
We use connective tissue supplementation to combat structural defects that may be the root cause of the patient’s dysfunction or debilitating issue. This approach uses umbilical tissue allografts to support enhanced structural integrity of damaged tissue and the surrounding areas. We are able to apply Wharton’s jelly directly to the affected area. Once the allograft is applied, the tissue provides cushioning, structural support, as well as a natural scaffold for the body’s own cells to repopulate utilizing its natural ability to heal itself. The whole procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. It is expected that patients may experience significant relief within a few weeks.
Ethical Considerations:
One of the advantages of using Wharton’s jelly is that it is obtained from the umbilical cord after healthy childbirth, posing no ethical concerns. Historically this valuable resource has been discarded as medical waste, making its use in regenerative medicine today both ethical and sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What benefit can the use of tissue allografts have for me?
Human tissue allograft products have the potential to serve as a connective tissue supplement or replacement in instances where there has been damage to tissue(s) that influence the structural integrity of the surrounding area.
How much does it cost?
Services are individualized based on a client’s needs. The cost is determined by the area being addressed as well as the amount and type of human tissue product that is required. A more specific price can be outlined during your appointment.
How often will I need this application?
Longevity of the application will depend on the area and the tissue damage being addressed. For large joints, a single application can generally be expected. However, the amount of tissue damage may vary and additional applications are available when deemed appropriate. Some patients may find that a follow-up application is of value.
How long will it take to see results?
Every injury and each patient is different. The length of time and number of applications it takes to see results also vary. Some patients experience relief within a few days, while others may need several months and multiple applications to see results.
What can I expect after the application?
Most of our patients experience no downtime whatsoever. However, activities that cause extreme stress to the area being addressed may need to be stopped for a few days.