Osteoarthritis reduces performance and can even lead to disability. Today, patients have a choice of several methods that help reduce symptoms and regain full freedom of movement. Check what are the modern methods of treating degenerative joint diseases and how much does it cost.

Modern methods of treating joint diseases, terapies that are currently developing dynamically, on the one hand, are minimally invasive surgery, i.e. arthroscopic methods of joint treatment, on the other - the so-called biological treatment, i.e. the use of stem cells and growth factors found in the body that stimulate the natural healing processes. Initially, minimally invasive techniques were used to operate on large joints - knee, shoulder and hip joints, now also small ones - hands, wrists, ankles. By using miniature surgical instruments, virtually all damaged joints can be "repaired", restoring their proper functions. The latest achievement in medical technology, not only in orthopedics, are stem cells. They are used in the hope that they will rebuild damaged cartilage and other joint structures. Will this regeneration take place? It is too early for an answer, but the initial results are quite promising.

Osteoarthritis treatment: viscosupplementation

It consists in administering hyaluronic acid injections directly into the joint. It is the main component of synovial fluid, but its concentration decreases in the course of osteoarthritis. Complementing the loss of hyaluronic acid increases the viscosity of the synovial fluid, which reduces friction in the joint and improves its mobility. The substance also has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. Injections are made once a year in a series of 3-5 injections at weekly intervals or in the case of newer preparations containing the so-called hylany - one injection every 6-12 months. After the treatment, you can return to your daily activities. Often the effect is felt after the first injection. The advantage of hyaluronic acid is the almost complete absence of side effects.

Price: varies depending on the type of preparation; traditional ones cost 200-300 PLN for one injection, newer ones - 800-1000 PLN.

Osteoarthritis Treatment: KineSpring

This method involves the use of a special spring implanted in the area of ​​the knee (subcutaneously, but outside the joint), which reduces the load on the joint. The implant itself does not heal, but enables the healing process, because it opens the gap in the knee joint, relieving the articular cartilage, which accelerates tissue healing. This method works well for people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee joint. The use of KineSpring helps to relieve pain, allowing you to return to normal physical activity. It also allows the process of joint destruction to be slowed down, thus postponing the necessity to implant a knee joint endoprosthesis by several or even several years. The method is reversible and offers the possibility of using other treatments in the future. You can go home a few days after the procedure. After approx. 6 weeks, which is necessary for the tissues to heal, you regain full efficiency.

Price: the implant placement procedure costs from 30 to 36 thousand. PLN.

Osteoarthritis treatment: endoprosthesis

This is an artificial joint that consists of a concave acetabulum and a convex head. The prosthesis is implanted when all previous treatments have failed. The operation consists in removing the damaged joint (most often the hip or knee joint, less often the shoulder or elbow joint) and replacing it with an artificial one. Joint prostheses are made of polyethylene, alloys of various metals and ceramics, which are well tolerated by the body. Currently, cementless endoprostheses are most often used (less often those fixed with cement, i.e. bone glue). To ensure their stability and facilitate bone fusion, the denture is covered with hydroxyapatite (a natural mineral component of bone). The durability of the prosthesis is limited, the best estimate is about 30 years, but usually after a dozen or so years it is necessary to replace it. For this reason, implants are recommended for the elderly, less active, who will not use them as much as young people. After the surgery, rehabilitation is necessary, which allows you to regain full fitness after a few months.

Price: endoprostheses are implanted under the National He alth Fund (NFZ) insurance, one has to wait 2 or 3 years for the operation. Privately, for implantation of a hip implant, depending on the type and method of attachment, you have to pay from 4 to 15 thousand. PLN, and knee - from 5.5 to 10 thousand. PLN.

Osteoarthritis treatment: stem cells

They have been used in orthopedics for several years. Under certain conditions, stem cells can differentiate, i.e. transform into muscle, cartilage or connective tissue. Usually autologous cells are used for orthopedic procedures.that is, own, derived from the patient. Previously, they were obtained from the bone marrow, now they are more often separated from adipose tissue. Experts say they are "more stem" than those of the bone marrow, which are already partially differentiated. Stem cells are used to treat damage to tendons, ligaments, articular cartilage, in the case of early degenerative changes. After collection, the cells are concentrated in a special device. The suspension obtained in this way, in which there are many stem cells, is implanted in a damaged place in a joint or muscle. Their administration reduces pain and inflammation, improves the mobility of the joint, and significantly delays the process of its destruction. The use of stem cells works only when the joint is not completely damaged.

Price: treatments with the use of stem cells are not reimbursed by the National He alth Fund. In a private center, the cost of preparing cells for implantation and the procedure is around 8,000. PLN, and the necessary specialist rehabilitation - approx. 5 thousand. PLN.

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Spine, bones, joints