Regenerative Agents0

What is Acell?

Acell is a derived from porcine bladder.  It is a dried form of the structures surrounding cells called extracellular matrix. It is sterile and can be used in conjunction with a number of regenerative agents to assist in therapy.

How does it work?

Acell is beneficial in that it can serve as the structure on which cells can differentiate and grow. It can also help create a positive healing environment chemically for tissue to regenerate.

How is it created?

Acell is created in a laboratory atmosphere under sterile conditions by a company outside of OrthoCure.

What conditions benefit?

Orthocure uses this product for conditions that require the closing of larger gaps in tissue, for patients that have severely attenuated healing responses due to body chemistry or for patients that have collagen formation disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Is Acell covered by Insurance?

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, do not pay for Acell injections.

 

What does Acell treatment cost?

At OrthoCure Clinic the cost of Acell treatment is based on the level of complexity involved in treating the given area(s). Prices range from $300 to $1200 per treatment. If two joints or areas are treated at the same time, the cost is NOT double – there is a slight increase.

Acell FAQs

Do injections hurt?

The level of discomfort of the treatment depends in part on the area being treated. For example, injections given into a joint often are minimally uncomfortable and in some cases painless. Injections given into tendons and joint capsules tend to be more uncomfortable. There is usually moderate pain for the next few days. In cases where large numbers of injections will be completed, Dr. Hanson will perform a regional nerve block to reduce pain during and after the injection.

We provide oral sedation, aromatherapy, and oxygen to help with pain and anxiety during an injection. In addition, we have a master Reiki practitioner who is available to perform energy healing before or after a procedure.

When can I expect to see improvement?

On average, most patients start to see signs of improvement anywhere from 2-8 weeks after treatment. This can be less overall pain, an ability to do more activity before pain sets in, and/or faster recovery from pain.

What are the risks?

Anytime a needle is placed anywhere in the body, even getting blood drawn, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. However, these are very rare. Other complications, though rare, can occur depending on the area being treated, and will be discussed by your doctor before starting treatment.

What is the success rate?

When using prolotherapy for the appropriate levels of degeneration, the results are very good, studies showing 80-90% success rate. Some patients experience complete relief of their pain. In the case of capsule and ligament injuries, the results are generally permanent in mild cases, moderate cases may need another round of treatments in 1-3 years.