If you’ve suffered from damaged tissue in your joints or spine, your doctor may recommend amniotic allograft injections. While joint injections are well enough known, amniotic allograft injections are another story. You may be wondering what they even are, what they’re made of, if they’re ethical, and how they can help you.
Here’s what you need to know about some of the most common questions patients have about amniotic allograft injections.
What Are Amniotic Allograft Injections?
Amniotic allograft injections are a type of joint injection made from amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid comes from placentas. Its purpose in the placenta is to protect and nourish a growing fetus with proteins, growth factors, and other vital nutrients.
When used in injections, the amniotic fluid helps to repair, supplement, lubricate, and replace homologous tissue. This helps people to recover from many different joint injuries and conditions.
Are Amniotic Allograft Injections Ethical?
When you hear that amniotic allografts come from placentas, you may be alarmed, worried about how the fluid is obtained, and if this treatment is even ethical.
Rest assured, this is an ethical treatment method. Amniotic fluid does not come from a fetus – it comes from the placenta. When people give birth, the placenta detaches from the uterine wall and is usually delivered within an hour after childbirth. Since the placenta already comes out during childbirth, taking amniotic fluid from it does no harm to either the mother or the fetus.
Amniotic allograft injections are made from the placentas of consenting, healthy women who have undergone cesarean delivery and wish to donate their placenta that would otherwise be discarded. Careful medical and social history research is done in order to ensure that donors meet all requirements, including blood tests to screen for any communicable diseases.
Are Amniotic Allograft Injections Safe?
Yes, amniotic allograft is safe to use. This is because the mother who wishes to donate her placenta undergoes blood tests and a medical and social history check to ensure that she is a good donor. After the placenta has been donated, comprehensive tests are done on the amniotic fluid for any potential pathogens.
The fluid is processed according to standards set by the FDA (US Food And Drug Administration) and AATB (American Association of Tissue Banks).
Why Is Amniotic Fluid Used To Treat Injuries?
Amniotic fluid is used to treat injuries because it has natural growth factors and nutrients to encourage healing. These include collagen, protein, hyaluronic acid, anti-inflammatory properties, and over 200 growth factors.
This helps to reduce inflammation and scarring, support tissue regeneration, and decrease pain, with decreased risk of inflammatory responses. Since amniotic fluid is natural, when used in injections, it is non-steroidal.
What Can Amniotic Allograft Injections Treat?
Since amniotic fluid enhances your body’s natural healing abilities, it’s used to treat many different conditions, especially orthopedic conditions, like joint problems.
Some common conditions that amniotic allograft injections treat include:
- Torn ligaments
- Arthritis
- Damaged tendons
- Cartilage injuries
- Bursitis
- Chronic pain
- Inflammation
- Carpal tunnel
- Rotator cuff pain
- Ankle pain
- Knee pain
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- And more
What Are The Benefits Of Amniotic Fluid Injections?
These injections help your body to heal itself after injury. This is because they have lubricating properties that allow for easier movement, as well as anti-microbial properties that help to prevent infection. They create an oxygen-rich environment that promotes cellular regeneration.
This a safe treatment method with minimal risk of adverse reactions. It is done in-office, with no need for downtime or any aids, such as crutches.
Life Health Medical Center provides amniotic allograft injections. If you have any questions about this treatment, please don’t hesitate to either contact us or schedule an appointment.
