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Regenerative medicine: what can it do for me?


International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine
Arjun Meiyappan,1 Ravi Teja Rudraraju,1, Bhavya Sheth,2 Kiran Chatha,1 Farah Tejpar,1 Vani Sabesan,1 Siddharth Kundal,3 Christian Martinez4

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Abstract

Objectives: Patients now have longer life expectancies and more active lifestyles which is driving the growth and use of regenerative medicine. Definitions of regenerative medicine (RM) vary, with much of the public having an incomplete understanding of what regenerative medicine means or the science behind these therapies. The purpose of this study was to assess patient perceptions and understanding of the role of regenerative medicine in treating musculoskeletal problems.
 
Methods: This cross-sectional study consisted of an anonymous self-administered survey designed to assess patient perceptions, knowledge and attitudes toward regenerative medicine and its application in sports medicine of 150 participants. The demographic information and participant’s knowledge and conceptions of regenerative medicine were surveyed from patients in an orthopedic surgery department at a single institution. Descriptive statistics were used to report survey data. Analyses were performed based on demographic variables using independent t-test and an analysis of variance (ANOVA).
 
Results: Of the survey takers, 70% viewed RM therapies positively. Participants with a positive view scored significantly higher in all aspects of the survey including effectiveness in the clinical setting (p<0.05) and the likelihood to use or recommend RM therapies (p<0.05). Older Participants (over 54years) scored higher for basic knowledge on RM (3.63; p=0.02). Participants with personal experience with RM had a more positive response when asked if it helps their condition (3.87 vs. 3.38; p=0.01) and were more comfortable recommending it to others (3.83 vs. 3.41; p=0.04). 
 
Conclusion: Overall, participants had a moderate level of understanding and positive perception of the effectiveness of RM therapies. Our results showed partipants had a positive view of these treatment modalities despite the literature not supporting the effectiveness of these therapies. More research should be dedicated to this area of medicine given the public interest and desire for RM treatments. 
 

Keywords

regenerative medicine, platelet rich plasma, arthritis treatment, patient perceptions, alternative therapy, orthopedics, ANOVA, analysis of variance, PRP, FDA, food and drug administration, RM, regenerative medicine, SD, standard deviation

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