Orthokine

Orthokine treatment

Orthokine is a safe treatment method utilising autologous conditioned serum to treat locomotor system conditions. All substances which inhibit inflammation are therefore obtained from the patient’s own blood by using specialist processing technology. The treatment interferes with the cause of inflammation. It inhibits inflammatory processes and protects articular cartilage. Interleukin-1 (IL) is considered the main pro-inflammatory cytokine. This protein intensifies inflammation and – indirectly – makes its symptoms such as pain and swelling more severe. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL- 1Ra) which is the key mediator of tissue destruction and pain is injected directly into the inflammation site, which enables effective medical intervention alleviating patient symptoms. Orthokine fights inflammation, alleviates pain and prevents its exacerbation, decreases joint stiffness and improves its function, thus improving quality of life. It shows anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and inhibits articular cartilage degeneration.

Patient eligibility assessment

Patient eligibility assessment for Orthokine treatment involves a consultation with an orthopaedist and is based on patient medical history, clinical examination findings as well as an additional ultrasound scan and x-rays.

Orthokine procedure

1. You will have peripheral blood sample taken using a special EOTII system syringe.
2. Owing to syringe design, the incubation process causes blood cells to initiate production of different compounds: inflammation inhibiting proteins and substances to promote the growth of various cells. The main anti-inflammatory protein released in the process is interleukin receptor antagonist-1 (IL-1Ra), which blocks interleukin-1 to access its receptor, thus inhibiting development and reducing severity of inflammation.
3. Patient blood is transferred to a centrifuge, where the separation process yields protein solution (serum), which is injected into the joint.
4. The obtained serum is divided into 6 equal portions. The first injection into the inflamed area, which the patient receives on day 1., starts stimulating repair and regeneration processes. The remaining plasma is frozen at -20 Celsius degrees.

You will get ultrasound-guided injections every 2-3 days. Treatment effect varies between the patients depending on their medical conditions, long-term observation in clinical research demonstrated maintained analgesic effect at 2 years following treatment.

Post-treatment care and recommendations

Avoid physical activity for the entire duration of treatment. Reduce your sports-related activity for three weeks afterwards. Platelet rich plasma injections may cause transient pain, oedema and/or exudate (fluid accumulation in tissues). The symptoms usually resolve within a few days.

Indications for Orthokine

• Arthritis
• Tendon and ligament overuse injury, such as: tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, runner’s knee, Achilles tendon overuse injury, calcaneal spur degenerative joint disease – joint pain
• RA (rheumatoid arthritis)
• muscle and/or tendon injury
• chronic arthritis
• acute arthritis

Contraindications to Orthokine

• pregnancy and breastfeeding
• cancer