PRP Orthokine

“A Kobe Bryant mystery was born on Thursday afternoon, when the Los Angeles Lakers announced that their aging star had gone overseas for a medical procedure that was unrelated to the Achilles tendon tear he suffered in April.

But a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed that, as was the case leading up to the lockout-shortened 2011-12 campaign, Bryant has headed to Germany for another round of platelet-rich plasma therapy on the same right knee that ailed him back then. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the nature of the trip had not been announced by the team.”

USA TODAY October 3, 2013

PRP Orthokine

The treatment is called Orthokine. The reason he went to Germany is because it is not cleared for use in the United States by the FDA. There are doctors in the United States providing this treatment as “off label” which is legal. Orthokine is a form of Platelet Rich Plasma therapy. In PRP, blood is drawn from the patients and spun down to draw out the blood platelets that are responsible for healing. This procedure is FDA approved.

In Orthokine injections, the blood is heated to release of Interleukin 1-Receptor Antagonist (IL1-RA) a natural anti-inflammatory. So what Kobe had done was stop the inflammation in his knees.

Orthokine Therapy is a form of injection therapy, which harnesses and enhances the bodies natural defence mechanisms against inflammation to reduce pain and improve function.

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 SUITABLE 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.