Dr. Paul E. Hughes, Orthopedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine

10/02/2025

Here’s an outline of the most recent paper we’re gonna put out about stem cells for a lumbar spine and spinal nerve injuries

Case Study Draft: Micro-Fragmented Adipose Tissue Graft for Lumbar Spinal Cord Injury with Pseudo-Paraplegia

Abstract

We present a case of a patient with pseudo-paraplegia secondary to lumbar spinal cord injury (L3–L4 region) who underwent injection therapy with micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT). This novel regenerative technique, paralleling research initiatives at Mayo Clinic, was associated with functional improvement following two injections. Although the patient experienced temporary neurological setbacks (numbness and tingling in the lower extremities), overall sympathetic function and motor control improved.

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Introduction

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) affecting the lumbar spine can result in significant neurological deficits, including weakness, sensory changes, and autonomic dysfunction. Current management is largely supportive, with few regenerative options. Recent experimental approaches—including micro-fragmented adipose tissue grafting—aim to harness mesenchymal stem cells and stromal vascular fractions for neuroregeneration. This case report highlights clinical application of MFAT in a patient with L3–L4 injury presenting with pseudo-paraplegia.

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Case Presentation
• Patient: [Demographics to add: age, s*x, relevant comorbidities]
• Clinical history: Presented with pseudo-paraplegia characterized by severe motor weakness, impaired lower limb function, and autonomic deficits following an L3–L4 spinal cord injury.
• Treatment course: Two injections of autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue administered at [time intervals, e.g., baseline and X weeks later].
• Adverse events: Transient lower-extremity numbness and tingling following injection, resolving spontaneously.
• Functional outcomes:
• Improved sympathetic function
• Increased lower limb strength and coordination
• Improved mobility and quality of life measures (details to add: e.g., gait testing, bladder/bowel function, standardized scoring such as ASIA or ODI).

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Discussion
• Mechanism: Micro-fragmented adipose tissue contains pericytes, mesenchymal stem cells, and cytokines with regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Clinical parallels: Similar investigational protocols are being pursued at Mayo Clinic and other centers in regenerative spine research.
• Limitations: This is a single case; durability of improvement and long-term safety are still unknown.
• Significance: Provides early evidence supporting MFAT as a potential adjunct in SCI management.

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Conclusion

This case demonstrates that MFAT injection may offer symptomatic improvement in spinal cord injury–related pseudo-paraplegia, with a favorable safety profile aside from transient sensory side effects. Controlled trials are needed to validate efficacy and establish best practices.

09/23/2025

💥 Cutting-Edge Regenerative Medicine — Real Results, Real Patients 💥

At Hughes Orthopedics, we’re seeing life-changing success with advanced regenerative therapies — including Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC), Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), and MFAT stem cell injections.

✅ Patients with severe knee, hip, spine, and shoulder pain are reporting significant pain relief and improved mobility.
✅ Retired police officers, athletes, and everyday patients are returning to the activities they love — pain-free.
✅ Many are avoiding surgery thanks to these treatments, with outcomes lasting months to years.

🌟 Highlights from recent patients:
• Knees, hips, shoulders & spine: Patients report complete resolution of pain after BMAC and PRP combinations.
• Athletes & active patients: Several have returned to sports, work, and even racing without pain.
• Referrals keep coming: Our happiest patients are sending in friends and family — the best proof of success.
• Autoimmune & arthritis cases: Significant improvement even in challenging cases.

💬 As one patient shared: “This treatment gave me my life back — I never thought I’d be pain-free again.”

👉 If you or someone you know is struggling with chronic joint or spine pain, contact us today to learn if regenerative therapy is right for you.

📍 Locations: Stockton • San Mateo • San Jose
📞 Call Hughes Orthopedics to schedule your consultation.

07/21/2025

We are dedicated to delivering stem cell treatments to patients, yielding consistently positive results. Would you like to schedule a consultation? Use the code word "Hunter" for a complimentary consult.

05/17/2025

https://www.doximity.com/newsfeed/66d0a047-5f00-45d6-b8ba-069ad0c1561d/public

Alternatives to knee replacement are here, including this procedure described above as well as biologic injections

Many people aren’t eligible for knee replacement surgery because of health issues.

03/26/2025

How many people have had a biologic therapy like PRP or BMAC?

03/19/2025

Hughes Orthopedics is a great destination for the patient looking for alternative treatments for joint pain. These in office procedures involved treating your joints at multiple sites with a one time procedure that can provide joint pain relief. This is using your own cells and your own plasma to do this. There is minimal downtime with awesome results as we have testimonials from many patients who have done well with this. Most orthopedic surgeons would not get a total joint replacement on themselves and would also look for these alternative treatments. How do I know this because I'm an orthopedic surgeon who would never get any joint replacement and neither would most of my orthopedic colleagues. We orthopedic surgeons know the complications that can happen with these procedures, which are frankly "nasty". I hope to provide more information for you and start a open dialogue about treatments that can be done here in the United States and without the need to go overseas.

03/09/2025

Hughes Orthopedics is a great destination for the patient looking for alternative treatments for joint pain. These in office procedures involved treating your joints at multiple sites with a one time procedure that can provide joint pain relief. This is using your own cells and your own plasma to do this. There is minimal downtime with awesome results as we have testimonials from many patients who have done well with this. Most orthopedic surgeons would not get a total joint replacement on themselves and would also look for these alternative treatments. How do I know this because I'm an orthopedic surgeon who would never get any joint replacement and neither would most of my orthopedic colleagues. We orthopedic surgeons know the complications that can happen with these procedures, which are frankly "nasty". I hope to provide more information for you and start a open dialogue about treatments that can be done here in the United States and without the need to go overseas.

02/18/2025

Recent study shows PRP injections provide superior and clinically relevant improvements in pain and function over corticosteroids at mid- and long-term follow-ups in knee OA patients, making them a more effective intra-articular option. Clinicians should consider PRP as a preferable treatment for sustained symptom relief.

01/12/2025

An ACL tear can be repaired. We have had many patients who are very happy with a repair not having a reconstruction which is an easier recovery and using BMAC enhancement @ 4-6 weeks post operative

01/10/2025

I recently aspirated my own bone marrow in my office and recorded it. If I can do this to myself, just think I'll easily. I can take your own bone marrow and use it to heal your joints.

12/15/2024

I've been getting questions about other regenerative medicine clinics. Our advantage is that we're run by Orthopedic Surgeon who has been providing treatments with regenerative techniques for over 10 years. He has injected over 15,000 patients over his 20 year career. Not to say the other clinics can't provide help but we provide the most technologically advanced treatment treatments that are best for you. Cellular regeneration from your bone marrow or your fat tissue is what is best. The literature shows us that.

11/30/2024

Stampede at Disneyland 8 AM running for space Mountain