Biological Regeneration
Biological treatment of the knee refers to using natural methods or materials to help repair, regenerate, or replace damaged tissues in the knee joint. These treatments can provide an alternative or adjunct to more invasive surgical procedures, such as total knee replacement. Some common biological treatments for knee conditions include:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP is a concentration of platelets derived from the patient's blood. It contains growth factors that promote tissue healing and regeneration. PRP injections can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate the healing process in knee injuries such as tendinitis, ligament injuries, and osteoarthritis.
Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cells have the potential to develop into various cell types and can help regenerate damaged tissues. In knee therapy, stem cells can be derived injected into the affected area to stimulate the repair and growth of cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body that helps lubricate and cushion joints. Injections of hyaluronic acid can improve joint function, reduce pain, and slow down the progression of osteoarthritis in the knee.
Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI): ACI is a surgical procedure for treating localized cartilage defects in the knee. The process involves harvesting healthy cartilage cells from the patient, culturing them in a lab, and then implanting them back into the damaged area to help regrow the cartilage.
Osteochondral Autograft Transplantation (OAT): This procedure involves transplanting healthy cartilage and bone from a non-weight-bearing part of the patient's knee to the damaged area. The graft helps to repair the damaged cartilage and restore the normal joint surface.
Microfracture: This is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat small areas of cartilage damage in the knee. The surgeon creates tiny fractures in the bone underlying the damaged cartilage, stimulating the body's natural healing process and promoting the growth of new cartilage-like tissue.
The effectiveness of these treatments can vary depending on the patient's age, overall health, and the severity of the knee injury or degeneration.