Degradation of knee cartilage
During movement, shock absorption and the gliding of bones within a healthy knee joint are provided by hyaline (articular) cartilage. However, under the influence of adverse factors, the cartilaginous tissue thins. In the advanced stages of the disease, the knee cartilage undergoes complete degradation and can no longer fulfill its function.
Knee replacement is one of the most complex and expensive orthopedic surgeries. Waiting for a government-funded slot can take up to two years, during which patients are forced to endure pain and restricted mobility.
The etiologic factors of knee cartilage degradation include:
- Degenerative and dystrophic processes
- Inflammatory diseases
- Injuries
- Prior surgical interventions
Arthro-medullary shunting can help preserve the joint, restore mobility, and eliminate pain.
A hollow shunt is implanted into the affected joint. Through this shunt, acting much like an oiler, components of the patient's own bone fat are delivered into the joint to exert a therapeutic effect.
Bone marrow lipids
These lipids facilitate the gliding of articular surfaces, enhance mobility, and prevent the wear of joint cartilage.
Fat-soluble antioxidants of the bone marrow
These antioxidants suppress the active formation of toxic free radicals that degrade cartilage tissue. Additionally, they reduce the production of pro-inflammatory molecules—the factors that trigger pain and destroy joint structures.
Bone marrow cartilage progenitor cells
These cells smooth the articular surfaces and accelerate the healing of cartilage defects.
Arthro-medullary shunting:
Even if the cartilage is completely degraded and arthro-medullary shunting cannot achieve a full recovery, this minimally invasive and relatively cost-effective method allows patients to wait for a government-funded joint replacement slot without pain or discomfort.
- Relieves or significantly reduces pain syndrome
- Improves lubrication of the affected joint
- Provides antioxidant and protective effects
- Stimulates the healing of affected areas in the articular cartilage
