New treatment for osteoarthritis - Orthokine

Total Health | March 10th, 2009

According to Prof Wehling, a recent independent study has demonstrated that autologous conditioned serumThe clear fluid that separates from blood when it clots. It contains salts, glucose and proteins. (orthokine) is an effective treatment for knee osteoarthritisA disease mainly of the large joints of the body, as a result of wear and tear of the surface cartilage.. At a meeting at The Royal Society of Medicine on Monday a new therapy known as Orthokine was described by orthopaedic surgeon, Prof Wehling. Orthokine takes advantage of the body's own natural healing mechanism. The technique could improve the quality of life for some of the 6 million people living with osteoarthritis in the UK.

The new treatment is a biotechnology-based method in which proteins that inhibit inflammationThe body’s response to injury. and cartilage destruction are obtained from the patient's own (autologous) bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. and injected back into the affected joint.

According to Prof Wehling, a recent independent study has demonstrated that autologous conditioned serum (orthokine) is an effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis. "Orthokine considerably improves clinical signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and that the effects are significantly superior to those of conventional treatments currently available to patients in the UK".

It was said that the effect on patients' quality of life including a reduction in pain and increased function and mobility are felt for up to two years.  Follow up research has even shown a positive effect in 40% of patients after four years.

 

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