In a commercial advertisement appearing on page 3 of the Monday, March 14, 2016 Chicago Tribune, a claim by the Osteo Relief Institute bases, in part, the validity of a “cutting-edge” treatment-Viscosupplementation intervention-on an article published in the Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy. Having published over 100 scientific papers in peer reviewed journals and never having heard of the Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy; I looked up the Journal to learn it is an advertising vehicle for the pharmaceutical industry.
From the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: “AAOS Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines are based on a systematic literature review of published studies. Multidisciplinary guideline development groups construct Evidence-Based Clinical recommendations.” “Although some patients report relief of arthritis symptoms with viscosupplementation, the procedure has never been shown to reverse the arthritic process or re-grow cartilage”. The AAOS no longer supports the use of Viscosupplementation in the treatment of arthritis.
What we do with your stem cells at Regenexx is not only address symptoms of arthritis; based on our clinical trials, data base, and scientific publication documentation, is to improve function while addressing the progression of arthritis at a molecular and bio-immune level. Stem cells, in addition to the cytokines and growth factors in Bone Marrow Concentrate, have the potential to regenerate cartilage. Because of the lack of proven success over 20 years as determined by meta-analysis of the scientific literature concerning viscosupplemenation, the Regenexx network is moving away from offering Hyaluronic acid (Gels) and slowly the insurance industry is dropping coverage as well.
There is no question that the Osteo Relief Institute marketing campaign is attractive to a patient but what about a scientific foundation? Don’t get me wrong, I too can succumb to well done advertising. The Most Interesting Man in the World ad campaign caused me to switch to Dos Equis beer. Your arthritic related limitation is a totally different matter and your choice of treatment should not be influenced by an advertising campaign. Seek out that which is evidence based and available through board certified physicians and surgeons.
Tags: arthritis, athletes, Benefits and Risk, bone marrow, Bone Marrow Concentrate, Hip Replacement, Interventional Orthopedics, joint replacement, Knee Pain Relief, Mature Athlete, medicine, Orthopedic Care, Orthopedic Surgeon, Orthopedics, Osteoarthritis, Pain Management, Regenerative, Regenexx, Regenexx-SD, stem cells, treatment