Orthokine is a biological treatment which enhances the body΄s natural defense mechanisms against inflammation to alleviate pain and improve joint function. Furthermore, Orthokine may have a role in promoting natural healing.

Orthokine serum is derived from the patient΄s own blood, after special preparation. This serum contains biologically active proteins called interleukin-1 receptor antagonists (IL-1Ra). Many clinical studies have shown that the protein called interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a trigger of joint diseases. This protein initiates the inflammatory process by binding to certain cytokine IL-1-receptors, causes pain and damages tissues. IL 1Ra, which is used in Orthokine Therapy, blocks IL-1 action and restricts the inflammatory process. Thus, it alleviates pain and inflammation. Moreover, it may also release growth factors into the area to minimize the destruction of local tissues, for example the joint cartilage, and may promote healing and repair of these tissues.

Orthokine Therapy is used mainly in the treatment of joint pain due to osteoarthritis, especially osteoarthritis of the knee. It can also be very beneficial in the treatment of tendon and muscle injuries. Additionally, Orthokine Therapy shows significant success in the treatment of back pain caused by irritated or inflamed nerves.

Orthokine serum is injected directly, either into inflamed joints or tendons and other soft tissues, or around the irritated nerve root in the spine and, consequently, acts exactly where the pain originates.

Applying Orthokine Therapy has several other benefits: 1. The treatment is mostly well- tolerated since it utilizes the patient΄s own blood products. 2. It has a significant and long-lasting analgesic action. 3. The treatment is an alternative to cortisone treatment. 4. Orthokine Therapy can be an alternative form of therapy when the patient cannot take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs because of their adverse effects and cannot undergo surgery because of his or her current health condition.

Reference

Theodoridis T., Kraemer J.: Injektionstherapie an der Wirbelsäule. Manual und Atlas. 3. Auflage. Thieme 2017.