Croatia: Stem cells from bone marrow used to treat jaw joint for first time

Split University Hospital Center (KBC Split) has achieved a medical milestone, becoming the first center in Croatia to use bone marrow concentrate with stem cells for treating jaw joint pathology. The procedure, performed at the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, utilizes the patient's own bone marrow to regenerate damaged joint tissues.

This innovative approach involves extracting bone marrow, processing it to concentrate stem cells and other regenerative factors, and then injecting it into the affected temporomandibular joint. The therapy is autologous, meaning it uses the patient's own biological material, minimizing rejection risks. The goal is to harness the body's natural healing potential to repair joint structures and cartilage, alleviate pain, and restore function.

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Regenerativna medicina posljednjih godina značajno mijenja pristup liječenju bolesti lokomotornog sustava, a njezina primjena sve više nalazi mjesto i u maksilofacijalnoj kirurgiji. Primjenom autolognog koncentrata koštane srži, koji sadrži matične stanice iz koštane srži i druge regenerativne čimbenike, nastojimo iskoristiti prirodni regeneracijski potencijal organizma kako bismo kod odabranih pacijenata očuvali funkciju zgloba, smanjili simptome i poboljšali kvalitetu života. Posebno smo ponosni što je ovaj zahvat prvi put izveden upravo u KBC-u Split, čime potvrđujemo da naši pacijenti imaju pristup najsuvremenijim metodama liječenja koje se primjenjuju u vodećim svjetskim centrima.

Dr. Ema Puizina, who led the surgical team, expressed pride in the achievement. "Regenerative medicine is significantly changing the approach to treating musculoskeletal diseases," she stated. "By applying autologous bone marrow concentrate, we aim to utilize the body's natural regenerative potential to preserve joint function, reduce symptoms, and improve the quality of life for selected patients. We are particularly proud that this procedure was performed for the first time precisely at KBC Split, confirming that our patients have access to the most advanced treatment methods used in leading global centers."

Dr. Saša Ercegović, head of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, emphasized the hospital's commitment to advancement. "The introduction of advanced regenerative therapies is another confirmation of the continuous development of the Department and KBC Split, and their focus on applying modern, scientifically based treatment methods for the benefit of patients," he said. The successful application of this technique positions KBC Split at the forefront of regenerative medicine in Croatia.

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uvođenje naprednih regenerativnih terapija još jedna potvrda kontinuiranog razvoja Zavoda i KBC-a Split te njihove usmjerenosti na primjenu suvremenih, znanstveno utemeljenih metoda liječenja u korist pacijenata.