NYC’s Harlem Hospital On Cutting Edge Of Regenerative Therapies For Orthopedic Injuries: Discussion With Dr. Murrell, Renowned Surgeon

Below is the video interview with Dr. Murrell about Regenerative Medicine and Biologics in Joint and Bone Repair:

As Dr. Murrell, expert and long-time Orthopaedic surgeon, discusses, there are many types of biologics, and not all of them do the same thing.  In many instances, use of the legally available substances, such as aspirated bone marrow or platelet-rich-plasma, each taken from marrow or blood and used in different ways for different indications, can help fill the gap between the injury and the completion of the healing process, which requires tissue remodeling.  A lot of injuries get stuck at the inflammation phase, and this is whether or not they were surgically corrected or simply braced or set.  For some injuries, such as a simple wrist fracture in an older adult, surgery can be avoided by the use of biologics and other therapies. Aspirated bone marrow is useful in cases of bone necrosis, since when used along with specialized load bearing weight exercises, have shown to be very effective in encouraging the healing process to move through the phases into complete remodeling.  .  

It must also be understood that these things are not used alone.  Biologics are always used in conjunction with a specialized exercise regimen, prescribed by the treating physician, to complement the biologics and improve the chances for a positive outcome.  This is whether they’re used with or without surgery or for any indication on their own.  

We also talked about bone death, or necrosis and collapse of the bone.  These often happen due to poor diet and nutrition or, most often, obesity.  In these instances, the bone begins to undergo a type of cell death (necrosis), always accompanied by pain.   If the pain is ignored, and no treatment is sought, the bone can collapse. At that point, surgery involving complete joint replacement is the only solution.  But if it can be caught by a physician – only on an MRI, not an X-ray – biologics, particularly aspirated bone marrow, can be injected into the area, and a specialized exercise regimen prescribed.  Certain angles and graduated loads being added to the joint or limb can often assist the biologic in effecting positive change and reversing the condition.  This can only happen if it is caught before the bone collapses.  Exercise is key, but the biologics can help a great deal.  

Below is Dr. Murrell’s bio from his website:

Dr. William Murrell is currently an attending Orthopedic Surgeon at Harlem Hospital.

In the past, he has been involved in designing and creating quality management systems, clinical and laboratory protocols, accrediting, and operating facilities in the USA, UK, Middle East, and Germany.

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Formerly the Chief Science Officer for Emirates Healthcare, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Integra Medical & Surgery Centre, Director Center of Excellence in Orthopaedic Surgery and Joint Replacement at Healthpoint Hospital, Mubadala Healthcare, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Below are the topics we talked about during the discussion: 

Please talk about what regenerative medicine is and some of the options that are offered under this umbrella

What kinds of injuries or conditions can it treat or help with in sports and orthopedic medicine?

Can you walk us through how regenerative and orthobiologic therapies fit into orthopaedic care: including starting with which patients tend to benefit, how these treatments are integrated into a broader plan alongside conventional options, and where the honest limits of the current evidence sit.

Can we talk about conservative management for orthopedic conditions; including physical therapy, bracing, and pain management as they apply to broken bones…. Torn ligaments…. Concussions.. other common sports and workplace injuries that usually require orthopedic care

Please speak about the real role that nutrition, activity, and overall lifestyle play in musculoskeletal healing and recovery.

Since you have been a vegan since 1990, can you please speak to plant based diet impact as well?

How can supplements and nutritional changes help with regenerative or conventional therapies?

What kind of broken bone injuries are still appropriate for casting without surgery, and do you find this is something patients prefer when available?

In cases where bone necrosis has occurred at a fracture or break site that continues to progress after a surgery, are there options to reverse this type of tissue death? Can you talk about cases where this occurs and how patients can advocate for themselves to prevent it?

Do you have any positive patient stories to share where an injury has not been helped by conventional methods where regenerative therapies have enhanced their recovery?

Banner Image: Strength training for rehabilitation. Image Credit – Dr. Murrell