Orthokine Therapy Melbourne
Orthokine Therapy is a form of injection therapy, which harnesses and enhances the body's natural defence mechanisms against inflammation to reduce pain and improve function.
Orthokine Treatment
The process involves taking the patient's blood and preparing the blood so that the anti-inflammatory proteins and growth factors (the serum of the blood), can be injected into either joints or tendons and other soft tissues. This may lead to decreased pain and increased function and may have a role in promoting natural healing.
Orthokine Therapy is used mainly in the treatment of osteoarthritis and in particular, osteoarthritis of the knee. The therapy primarily focuses on the role of Interleukin 1 (IL1).
Interleukin 1 plays a role in the mediation of inflammation by binding to certain "cytokine" receptors. By binding to these receptors, the IL1 causes the switching on of the inflammatory process. Then as this process progresses, IL1 and other factors involved in the inflammatory process can lead to further destruction of the joint. This may lead to osteoarthritis and pain.
Orthokine Therapy releases an IL-1 antagonist, which prevents IL1 from binding to receptors and this restricts the inflammatory process from occurring. At the same time, it may also release growth factors into the area to minimise the destruction of the local tissues (eg. the joint cartilage) and actually may promote healing and repair these tissues.
There have been a number of recent studies (please see references below) that support the use of Orthokine Therapy. In particular, for use in joint arthritis.
At our clinic, we see excellent results with Orthokine Therapy.
For those familiar with another type of blood injection therapy called Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP - see the PRP section of our website), Orthokine is similar to PRP in that it is preparation of your own blood. However, after this, the preparation is significantly different. Orthokine has the ability to increase the number of growth factors per procedure compared with PRP, and also has the advantage of blocking IL-1 and therefore blocking the inflammatory response.
Orthokine is therefore used more commonly on joint problems such as osteoarthritis, which have more of an inflammatory component.
What is Involved to be a Candidate for Orthokine?
Our Sports Physicians, carry out the Orthokine Therapy at Sportsmed Biologic. You will be required to arrange an appointment with a Sports Physician with a referral from your GP to assess your suitability to undertake this type of treatment. If you have osteoarthritis that is mild to moderate and want to avoid surgery, then you may be a candidate. You may also be a candidate if you have a chronic tendon or ligament tear that has failed all other forms of therapy.
What if I am SUuitable for Orthokine?
If you meet the criteria for Orthokine Therapy, you will be required to attend the clinic for blood collection. Approximately 60mls of blood is taken from you and it is important to be well hydrated prior to this procedure. The blood is then processed and at a later date, you will then undergo a series of approximately 4-6 injections over 4-6 weeks depending on your particular condition. These will be ultrasound-guided and carried out by one of the Sport and Exercise Medicine specialists experienced in this technique.
What are the Risks of Orthokine Treatment?
There are risks associated with any form of injection to a joint including the risk of infection.
Side effects associated with Orthokine injection are:
- Ongoing pain and joint stiffness
- A lack of benefit from the injection
- Swelling or bruising at the injection site
- Short term numbness from the local anaesthetic
If you would like more information then please make an appointment to discuss this therapy with one of our Medical Specialists.
What is the Follow up After Orthokine?
Our Sport and Exercise Medicine Physicians supervise strict protocols and rehabilitation programs organised by a rehabilitation coordinator to maximise you response to treatment. We follow a specific post-injection pathway to optimise your healing and ensure you have the best possible outcome from this kind of therapy. The physiotherapist will also assess potential pre-existing factors that may have potentially contributed to your problem in the first place and look to correct these.
Contact Our Orthokine Clinic Today on 1300 858 860.