Platelet-rich stroma treatment for knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the affected joints. One of the most common sites of OA is the knee, which bears a lot of weight and stress during daily activities.

There is no cure for OA, but there are various treatments that can help manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. One of these treatments is platelet-rich stroma (PRS), which is a type of regenerative medicine that uses the patient’s own blood cells to stimulate the healing and repair of damaged tissues.

What is Platelet-rich stroma treatment?

PRS is derived from the patient’s blood and adipose tissue which are drawn and processed in a high-end device that separates and concentrates the platelets and SVF. The PRS is then injected into the affected knee joint under ultrasound guidance, where it releases various bioactive molecules that promote inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration.

To explain how PRS works, we need to understand how platelets and growth factors function in the body. Platelets are small blood cells that are involved in blood clotting and wound healing. They contain granules that store various growth factors, which are proteins that can signal other cells to grow, divide, or differentiate. Growth factors can also modulate inflammation, which is a natural response to injury or infection.

When PRS is injected into the knee joint, it creates a microenvironment that mimics a wound site. The platelets become activated and release their growth factors, which attract and activate other cells such as stem cells, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. These cells then start to produce new collagen, blood vessels, and cartilage matrix, which can restore some of the lost tissue function and structure.

PRS has been shown to have beneficial effects on knee OA in several clinical trials. It can reduce pain, improve function, and enhance the quality of life for patients with mild to moderate OA. It can also delay or prevent the need for more invasive procedures such as joint replacement surgery.

PRS is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting. It has few side effects and a low risk of infection or rejection.

If you are suffering from knee OA and are interested in PRS, you should consult Dr. A.K. Venkatachalam and discuss the pros and cons of this treatment option. PRS may not be suitable for everyone as it depends on the severity of OA and individual expectations.

References:

: Venkatachalam A.K. Knee osteoarthritis treatment Platelet-rich stroma India. Ortho Biologic Surgery India Blog 2023; https://orthobiologicsurgeryindia.com/knee-osteoarthritis-treatment-with-platelet-rich-stroma-in-india/

: Venkatachalam A.K. Platelet-rich stroma procedure Knee arthritis Chennai. Ortho Biologic Surgery India Blog 2023; https://orthobiologicsurgeryindia.com/platelet-rich-stroma-procedure-explained-treatment-for-knee-oa/

: Venkatachalam A.K., What is platelet-rich stroma treatment for knee osteoarthritis in Chennai India? Dr.A.K.Venkatachalam’s MJRC Clinic 2023; https://drakvenkat.com/what-is-platelet-rich-stroma-treatment-for-knee-osteoarthritis-in-chennai-india/