RMH performs stem cell implant operation
The Royal Melbourne Hospital has performed the world's first implant of cultured stem cells in an orthopaedic patient.
Jamie Stevens, 21, fell from a motorcycle nine months ago and suffered a broken leg which had failed to heal.
In a trial operation doctors took stem cells from Mr Steven's hip and harvested them in a laboratory before implanting them into his leg.
The hospital's Director of Orthopaedics, Richard de Steiger, says if successful the procedure could significantly reduce complications and costs associated with long bone operations.
"It's the first procedure in the world to use the patient's own stem cells and make them turn into bone forming cells that are the patient's own cells, this should stimulate the healing of fractures," he said.
"There are many applications hopefully to growing new bone, people who have bone that's died for some reason, we can stimulate new bone growth.
"Worldwide of course trauma, particularly in the developing world, it's one of the greatest problems they face."
