PROLOTHERAPY IS A GREAT ALTERNATIVE TO [EVIDENCE-LACKING] KNEE ARTHROSCOPY FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE
Recently I looked over several articles in newspapers and a nice clinical review article, all explaining how arthroscopy for knee arthritis is on the rise despite the lack of evidence that it helps get rid of pain. Most of the knee patients we see at Caring Medical have had knee arthroscopy and from what I can tell it accelerates the arthritic process. We feel a better approach would be to repair the arthritic process with Prolotherapy.
 

Techniques used for the arthroscopic treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee include joint lavage, joint debridement, meniscectomy, abrasion arthroplasty, and microfracture. (See A Retrospective Study Shows Prolotherapy is Effective in the Treatment of MRI-Documented Meniscal Tears)

A good alternative to all of these procedures is Prolotherapy. Prolotherapy is typically done once per month for three to six visits. In athletes, sometimes the treatment is done weekly or every two weeks to speed up the healing process. Often human growth hormone (HGH) and glucosamine are injected into and around the knee to stimulate joint structures like cartilage to repair. The good news in regard to Prolotherapy also is the fact that right after Prolotherapy athletes and clients can exercise. Prolotherapy works best when combined with exercises like cycling, elliptical and Bosu Ball. Running is sometimes recommended, but it depends on the injury.

If you are looking for an alternative to knee surgery and all that is involved, like time off from work and sports, we would love to see you in our office for a consultation for Prolotherapy!

For someone wanting to research knee arthroscopy and the lack of evidence of its efficacy further, consider looking up this article or any of the below information:

Arthroscopic treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: are there any evidence-based indications? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2007; 455:107-11.

One can also look up the Cochrane review article on it. It is entitled Arthroscopic debridement for knee osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews 2008. Issue 1.

Another source:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/health/article-printpage.html?res=9E02E0D71230F932A25754C0A9649C8B63
 

New York Times Article entitled: Arthritis Surgery In Ailing Knees Is Cited as Sham

July 11, 2002, written by Gina Kolata

 The study they site was in New England Journal of Medicine 2002 Jul 11; 347(2):81-8.

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/abstract/347/2/81

A controlled trial of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of knee. Study was done at Houston Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston Texas.

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The information on this website is presented as information only and not a self-help guide NOR AS SPECIFIC HEALTH RECOMMENDATIONS. Never alter or change your health management or begin any new health plans without first consulting your personal health care provider. Some statements on this site regarding the value of nutritional supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

As with any medical technique, Prolotherapy may not be effective for every individual and there are risks involved, these risks should be discussed with your physician. Results achieved with some may not be typical of all. Please consult a physician. Please read Prolotherapy Risks

There is no known cure for arthritis. Prolotherapy and nutritional supplements can help alleviate, reverse, or end arthritic pain by treating an underlying cause that contributes to degenerative disease, ligament laxity. Strengthening ligaments and other connective tissue can help prevent bone on bone arthritis from developing.

Caring Medical and Rehabilitation Services 715 Lake Street Suite 600 Oak Park IL, 60301