Here are some thoughts from patients who have benefited Stem Cells implantation...

In 1994 while living in the Channel Islands I was diagnosed with a malignant tumour in the right rectus femoris muscle (thigh).  Surgery was followed by 7 weeks of radiotherapy in January/February 1995.  Radiotherapy left me with restricted flexion of the knee and weakened bone/muscle tissue in the thigh.   

January 2005 I slipped in some mud, the overextension of my right knee caused the femur to fracture.  The bone did not heal and nail and screws were inserted for support, necessitating the use of crutches ever since.  Over the following 12 months the medical profession tried removing a screw and carrying out a bone graft to encourage healing – to no avail.   

Further bone grafts could be done, the nail would need replacing periodically as the slight movement at the fracture site causes metal fatigue.  I would not accept that this was all and searched the Internet and eventually found Stem Cell Therapy.  My Orthopaedic Consultant told me about Professor Richardson at Oswestry Orthopaedic Hospital and his work in this field.  I contacted him and he agreed to perform this treatment on my right femur in January 2007.  Because of the radiotherapy there were no guarantees as to how long it would take to stimulate healing – if ever. 

Jersey hospital monitored my progress between visits to Oswestry, and 5 weeks after the treatment small signs of activity were noted - still a long way to go.  In April 2008 on a visit to Oswestry, Professor Richardson was delighted with the results, my bone had healed completely. 

I cannot thank Professor Richardson and his team enough, my outlook would have been one of using walking aids (crutch or stick) probably for the rest of my life with regular surgery to replace the nail and screws.  Now, although that leg will never be strong again, I can walk without aids and will not need surgery, won't ever run or do too much but hey! I can walk.

Joy Picot