Arthroscopy (sometimes called keyhole surgery) involves inserting a small camera into the joint to see directly into the area. Your surgeon may be able to remove or repair any damaged cartilage. It is not recommended for knee osteoarthritis unless your knee locks up. A group of pain-relieving medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) can reduce osteoarthritis pain, stiffness and swelling. They have many potential side effects, such as stomach ulcers and bleeding, kidney problems and heart problems.
Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE) is a medical procedure that helps relieve knee pain in people with arthritis. It is a minimally invasive approach that involves injecting small beads into the blood vessels near the knee joint. To fully understand the benefits of precision viscosupplementation, it’s important to grasp the science behind it. One key component is hyaluronic acid, which is similar to the natural lubricant found in our joints. This substance plays a crucial role in treating knee arthritis.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. While traditional treatments such as pain medication, physical therapy, and surgery have been the go-to options for managing the symptoms of osteoarthritis knee, there are now new treatments available that show promising results.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Osteoarthritis involves the breakdown of cartilage and surrounding joint tissues and is the most common form of arthritis in Australia, with 20% of individuals over 45 years old suffering from it. The researchers found that Klotho was heavily involved in the molecular process that led to osteoarthritis. This work was an extension of previous studies showing that Klotho protects mitochondria within skeletal muscle and plays a key role in skeletal muscle regeneration following injury. As people age, their klotho levels go down, hence why it’s referred to as a longevity protein. A group of international researchers has found promising clues to help develop a cure for osteoarthritis after discovering new genetic risk factors for the disease.
One of the newer treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. This treatment involves injecting a concentrated dose of the patient’s own platelets into the affected joint. The growth factors in the platelets help stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation, leading to pain relief and improved function in the knee.
But “not all PRP is equal,” cautions Kenneth Mautner, M.D., a professor at Emory University’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and head team physician for the Atlanta Hawks. Platelets and growth factors in blood fluctuate based on time of day, recent meals, hormones, exercise and other factors. As a result, the composition of PRP can change day to day, even when it’s the same doctor using blood from the same patient. In its 2021 guidelines, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) “conditionally recommended” the use of one type of injection — corticosteroids — and advised against HA injections.
Stem Cell Therapy
While still a new approach, a review in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine found “good to excellent overall outcomes” from 11 studies. The researchers noted that that some trials were tougher than others. So they recommended that the treatment be used cautiously since a lot is still unknown. Arthroplasty (joint replacement) involves removing the damaged ends of your bones and replacing them with metal, ceramic, or plastic parts. It can be done on knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, fingers, ankles, toes and even the spine.
Some people may need more support than others in maintaining a moderate weight, as some activities could lead to further flares of symptoms or worsening of a person’s general health. In these cases, a person may benefit from weight counseling from a healthcare professional. Lifestyle-specific advice may involve modifying a person’s everyday activities to manage any pain or functional issues they experience daily.
Another cutting-edge treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee is Stem Cell Therapy. This treatment involves injecting stem cells into the damaged joint to promote tissue regeneration and repair. Stem cells have the ability to differentiate into various types of cells, including cartilage cells, which can help restore the damaged cartilage in the knee.
Viscosupplementation
Viscosupplementation is another new treatment option for osteoarthritis of the knee. This treatment involves injecting a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid into the joint to lubricate and cushion the joint, reducing pain and improving mobility. Viscosupplementation has been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms and delaying the need for surgery in some patients.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these new treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee offer hope for patients suffering from this debilitating condition. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, Stem Cell Therapy, and Viscosupplementation are just a few of the innovative treatment options available that can help improve pain, function, and quality of life for those with osteoarthritis knee. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment approach for each individual case.
