Osteoarthritis of ankle
Ankle injuries are extremely common in active patients, with sprains and fractures being the two most common injuries. Ankle arthritis is also a common condition experienced by many patients as they age or after a sports injury.
Ankle injuries, especially those involving ligaments and joint structures, can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis (OA) in the ankle. The mechanism involves the disruption of normal joint anatomy and biomechanics. When an injury, such as a severe sprain, fracture, or dislocation, occurs, it can damage ligaments, cartilage, and other supportive structures in the joint.
This initial injury can lead to changes in the biomechanics of the ankle joint, including instability and altered joint loading. Joint instability, resulting from ligament damage, can make the ankle more prone to giving way. Additionally, the injury may cause damage to the cartilage surfaces within the joint, which provide a smooth surface for joint movement.
The combination of altered biomechanics, joint instability, and cartilage damage contributes to the development of post-traumatic arthritis. This type of arthritis occurs following joint injuries and involves the gradual breakdown of cartilage, inflammation, and changes to the joint structure.
Over time, the wear and tear on the damaged joint surfaces can lead to the progression of osteoarthritis in the ankle. Osteoarthritis involves the gradual deterioration of cartilage, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and functional limitations.
Joint sparing treatments in ankle osteoarthritis
Ankle osteoarthritis (AOA) poses a significant challenge, especially among the post-traumatic young population. Traditional joint-sparing procedures like arthroscopic debridement, arthrodiastasis, and osteotomy have shown variable results in studies, with more favorable outcomes observed in cases of limited degeneration. Osteotomy, particularly for malalignment, stands as the universally accepted joint-sparing approach in partial AOA. However, the effectiveness of these traditional methods often raises concerns, prompting a reevaluation of treatment approaches for early-stage AOA.
Recent advancements in our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying osteoarthritis have shed light on the complexity of this joint pathology, impacting not only cartilage but also bone and the synovial membrane. Recognizing the reversible catabolic activity and chondropenia in the early stages, there has been a shift towards exploring biological procedures aimed at delaying or preventing the progression to end-stage interventions. Among these, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) emerge as a promising solution due to their unique immunomodulatory properties, capable of controlling the catabolic joint environment, and their regenerative capabilities, addressing chondral defects effectively.
Mesenchymal stem cells offer a compelling avenue for intervening in the degenerative pathway of AOA. By regulating the cytokine cascade and mitigating metalloproteinase release, MSCs contribute to the restoration of the osteochondral tissue. Encouraging reports have surfaced, demonstrating the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells when seeded on scaffolds and applied to cartilage defects in non-degenerated joints. Notably, bone marrow-derived cell transplantation is emerging as a promising technique to control degeneration and restore osteochondral defects in ankle osteoarthritis, showcasing a potential breakthrough in the quest for effective joint-sparing treatments.
At Revival Clinic, our ankle stem cell treatment involves a straightforward intraarticular injection of mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue. This targeted approach is designed to harness the regenerative potential of these cells for intraarticular pathology within the ankle.
Had been thinking about getting Stem Cell therapy for many years now but couldn’t find the right place. But all was answered after getting in touch with Revival.
I spoke to George and we came up with a plan to help increase mobility and decrease the severe pain in my ankle.
He was brilliant along with all the staff, they all made me feel very comfortable and at ease during the procedure. It was swift and simple. I’m already feeling a big difference!
I’m glad I took the leap of faith and came to Revival for my treatment!
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Revival Clinic Bangkok
Our patient story
Many of our classic cases, similar to Ahmed's, highlight the transformative potential of stem cell treatment for ankle issues. Ahmed graciously allows us to share his story, hoping it encourages more people, especially those in the early stages of ankle problems, to consider stem cell therapy. Ahmed firmly believes in the principle that earlier intervention yields better results, and he wants his journey to inspire others to explore this innovative treatment option.
Ahmed, in his mid-30s. Ahmed, a former sports and martial arts enthusiast, faced a significant setback due to a severe ankle injury that led to chronic pain and subsequent osteoarthritis. The impact on his lifestyle was profound, forcing him to discontinue all sports activities and, unfortunately, resulting in weight gain.
Despite trying various treatments without success, Ahmed's persistence led him to our clinic, Revival Clinic. The decision was influenced by the genuine demeanor of our owner and our team's extensive experience in the field. What struck us was the professionalism of our treatment process, administered by dedicated nurses and orthopedic surgeons, a departure from the GP-led checks in other clinics.
The results were remarkable. Within just one day of our intervention, Ahmed experienced significant relief from pain, and this improvement continued steadily. Gradually, he began reintegrating sports into his life, marking a transformative journey.
