Platelet Rich Plasma for Knee Osteoarthritis Orthopaedic Surgeon, MBBS FRACS FAOrthA Associate Professor Griffith University GENERAL HEALTH Osteoarthritis of the knee is common as a person ages, especially in patients with previous knee injuries. The disease affects over 1.5 million Australians, and ranges in severity from ‘early’ which causes only occasional pain and soreness, to ‘severe’ which can create persistent and disabling joint pain and stiffness. Unfortunately for patients with knee osteoarthritis, managing an arthritic knee before it is bad enough for a joint replacement is a frustrating process. Osteoarthritis pain can fluctuate from mild to moderate symptoms for many years, but usually gradually worsening over time. Many over-the-counter treatments such as glucosamine, chondroitin or krill oil have inconclusive or no meaningful benefit. In addition, arthroscopy has been shown in multiple studies not to benefit patients when osteoarthritis is their primary complaint. Regular exercise to strengthen the knee muscles really helps all knee OA patients, particularly those who haven’t exercised in years. Recently, we conducted a joint research trial between Knee Research Australia and Bond University investigating “Cycling for Knee OA” and found that cycling was particularly beneficial, similar or better than anti-inflammatories, without the side effects. In addition, losing 10% of your excess body weight is also highly beneficial for your knees. The Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine centre now runs a “Healthy Lifestyle Clinic” to help people lose weight and improve their general health and function, before and after knee replacement. PRP Dr Christopher Vertullo pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 11
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Seven
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