Choosing the Right Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis: Regenerative Therapy vs. Surgery

Living with chronic knee osteoarthritis and joint pain can be debilitating, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. The myriad treatment options healthcare professionals present can be overwhelming when seeking relief. From physical therapy to surgery, the choices are vast and varied. One emerging field gaining traction is regenerative medicine, which aims to repair damaged tissues and restore normal function, offering a potentially less invasive alternative to traditional surgery. In this post, we’ll explore what regenerative therapy entails and how it differs from surgery. We will also help you make an informed decision about the best treatment for your specific situation.

What is Regenerative Medicine?

Regenerative medicine for knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a cutting-edge medical approach that harnesses the body’s natural healing processes to repair and replace damaged tissues. Unlike traditional treatments that often focus on alleviating symptoms, regenerative medicine addresses the root cause of the problem. There are several types of treatment options in regenerative medicine that are effective against joint pain, including:

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Stem Cell Therapy
Prolotherapy
Combinational Therapy
GOLDIC Therapy

Treatment Options in Regenerative Medicine

Prolotherapy

Prolotherapy involves injecting natural compounds into the damaged area to stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms, promoting tissue repair and regeneration. A 2022 review highlighted prolotherapy as a safe and effective option for improving pain, function, and quality of life [1].

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment

PRP treatment uses bioactive proteins and growth factors from the patient’s blood, mainly plasma, to enhance healing. Blood is drawn and centrifuged to separate the components, and the PRP layer is injected into the affected area under ultrasound guidance. Research in 2022 indicated that custom-dose PRP injections can effectively reduce pain and improve functionality [2].

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cells, which are undifferentiated cells capable of becoming any cell type, are used to repair joint damage. These cells are typically derived from adipose tissue or bone marrow. A 2022 study found that combining bone marrow-derived and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell injections was safe and effective for treating joint pain [3].

Combinational Regenerative Therapy

Combining different regenerative therapies can yield better results. Many combinations use PRP, Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC), Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF), and Hyaluronic acid (HA) in different proportions, which may be followed by Ozone therapy, infrared radiation (IR) radiation, Laser or Ultrasound therapy, and Physical therapy. For instance, PRP therapy combined with physiotherapy has shown significant improvements in pain relief and function compared to PRP alone [4].

GOLDIC Therapy

GOLDIC (Gold Induced Cytokines) therapy involves the interaction between gold particles and blood cells to produce healing proteins like gelsolin, which promote stem cell differentiation and reduce inflammation. A 2021 clinical trial reported that GOLDIC therapy provided rapid and sustained pain relief without serious side effects [5].

How Does Regenerative Medicine Differ from Traditional Surgery?

Traditional surgery often involves removing or replacing damaged tissue, which can be effective but also comes with risks such as infection, scarring, and long recovery times. In contrast, regenerative medicine for knee osteoarthritis (OA) aims to stimulate the body’s own repair mechanisms through injections of autologous stem cells or other regenerative compounds like bioprotein and cytokines promoting natural healing. This less invasive approach can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including joint pain and chronic wounds.

Cost Comparison: Regenerative Therapy vs. Knee Replacement

Financial considerations are crucial when deciding on a treatment plan. Regenerative therapy, while still relatively new, can be more cost-effective than traditional surgery. On average, the cost of regenerative therapy for knees is about one-third that of knee replacement surgery. Additionally, regenerative medicine for knee osteoarthritis (OA) can often address multiple joints in a single session, offering further cost savings. In contrast, knee replacement surgery averages around €20 000 to €25 000, not including follow-up visits or physical therapy, and typically only addresses one joint at a time.

However, it’s important to note that most insurance providers do not currently cover regenerative therapies or only partially cover them, which can significantly impact out-of-pocket expenses. Understanding these financial implications is essential for making an informed decision.

11 Reasons to Consider Alternatives to Knee Replacement Surgery

Chronic Nature of Pain: Surgery may not address underlying chronic pain issues.
Eligibility: Not all patients are suitable candidates for surgery.
Side Effects: Increased risk of complications.
Scarring: Visible stitches and scars can persist.
Unmet Expectations: Outcomes may not always meet patient expectations.
Post-Rehab Effectiveness: Rehabilitation may not be effective for everyone.
Infection Risk: Increased risk of postoperative infections.
Additional Costs: Need for new supportive shoes post-surgery.
Allergic Reactions: Potential for allergic reactions to surgical materials.
Secondary Problems: Surgery can sometimes cause additional issues like tissue and nerve damage or joint instability.
Prolonged Recovery: Long recovery periods can delay the return to normal activities.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Surgery and Regenerative Therapy

When deciding between surgery and regenerative therapy, several factors should be weighed:

Effectiveness: Surgery can provide a more immediate solution, while regenerative therapy may take longer to show results but targets the underlying issue.
Invasiveness: Regenerative therapy is less invasive, with fewer risks of complications and shorter recovery times.
Cost: Consider both the upfront costs and long-term financial implications, including insurance coverage.
Recovery Time: Surgery typically requires a longer recovery period with more extensive rehabilitation.

Exploring All Treatment Options

Making the best decision for your health involves exploring all available options and consulting with healthcare professionals. Your doctor can provide guidance based on your specific condition and medical history. Additionally, conducting your own research, seeking a second opinion, and asking questions will empower you to make an informed choice. Advocate for yourself, understand the pros and cons, and make the decision that best suits your individual needs.