Methods of using regenerative cells in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders

Abstract

Regenerative cells present in adipose tissue are used to treat patients, including patients with musculoskeletal diseases or disorders. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of regenerative cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the stem cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Accordingly, in a preferred method, regenerative cells present in adipose tissue are placed directly into a recipient along with such additives necessary to promote, engender or support a therapeutic musculoskeletal benefit.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of treating a patient, comprising:
 (a) providing a tissue removal system;   (b) removing adipose tissue from a patient using the tissue removal system, the adipose tissue having a concentration of stem cells;   (c) processing at least a part of the adipose tissue to obtain a concentration of stem cells other than the concentration of stem cells of the adipose tissue before processing; and   (d) administering the stem cells to a patient without removing the stem cells from the tissue removal system before being administered to the patient.