Do you feel that your joints are failing you? Are your usual exercise routines causing you more discomfort than joy? Perhaps even some of your daily activities are being affected by pain and discomfort. You may be wondering what your options are and hoping that surgery is not something you need to prepare for in the future.
Your fears are not unfounded, with Osteoarthritis being well recognized as the leading cause of mobility impairment in active sports people following injury, and as people age, and until recently there have not been too many solutions available other than major surgery. There is some good news to share.
Much work and research have been going on in recent years aimed at trying to find ways of delaying the need for joint replacement with all of its potential problems and restrictions on activity. This has led to the evolvement of a new and emerging “subspecialty” of joint preservation surgery, in particular focusing on ways to enhance cartilage regeneration, to preserve the joint and to delay the need for joint replacement. This would include for example meniscal preservation surgery to maintain the “shock absorption” properties of the joint.
Much cutting-edge work is being done by basic scientists, geneticists, and Orthopaedic practitioners, and involve fields such as Growth Factors, Biomarkers, unloading (the joint) procedures, injectable biologic products, cell growth and novel imaging techniques. Growth Factors such as PRP injections. Scaffolds, which act as struts and supports to enhance and strengthen a repair and encourage regrowth of tissue – e.g. meniscal scaffolds. Cell Growth such as Stem Cell therapy and Cartilage and Tendon cell implantation.
We will cover some of these subjects in more detail in future editions of this newsletter, stay with us.
If you would like to learn more about your personal joint preservation options,
please book doctor’s appointment at 2715 4577.
CARTILAGE REGENERATION AND JOINT PRESERVATION Event in HKSS Join us!
To help you to make informed decisions about your health we will be hosting a free event at our clinic – “Help! My joints are failing me. What are my options? Cartilage Regeneration & Joint Preservation”
The event will include a talk by a specialist in Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine and exercise demonstrations by a physiotherapist followed by a Q&A session.
Light refreshments and snacks will be served on the evening. Places are limited, therefore please register at kristina@hkss.info soon to secure your spot.
Date: 28th August Time: Doors open at 6:30 pm, talk starts at 7:00 pm Location: HKSS, 715 Jardine House
As seats are limited, the event is open to HKSS patients only. To reserve your place, please email to kristina@hkss.info.