Researchers Identified a Potential Alternative for Damaged Knees

(Newswire.net — January 23, 2017) Orlando, FL — The human body is naturally designed to have defenses against threats. However, it is also susceptible to deterioration, which can eventually lead to the development of certain conditions such as arthritis.

Today, arthritis sufferers resort to a variety of pain management options just to improve their overall condition. Even scientists and researchers are conducting studies to see which of these options are truly helpful for individuals with arthritis.

Researchers identified a potential alternative for damaged knees. According to the investigators from the Hospital for Special Surgery, the biodegradable scaffold or plug may be helpful for individuals with damaged knee cartilage.

The researchers make the study unique with the use of the serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and newer quantitative T2 mapping. Through these measures, they are able to examine exactly how the plug could incorporate itself into the knee. The research was presented at the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine’s annual meeting.

According to Asheesh Bedi, M.D., a fellow in sports medicine and shoulder surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery, the findings of the study have been encouraging for researchers to conduct further evaluation about this synthetic scaffold potentially being a cartilage repair technique.

Dr. Bedi was also involved with the study and he took care of performing the analysis of MRI scans of the study participants. Riley Williams, M.D., Director of the Institute for Cartilage Repair at the Hospital for Special Surgery, treated the participants.

Dr. Bedi added that the Trufit plug has mechanical properties designed to be similar to the cartilage and bone. There are believed to be various ways that damage can occur to the so-called articular cartilage. It could be during sporting events such as soccer or in a motor vehicular accident.

Unfortunately, the articular cartilage lacks the intrinsic ability to heal, and when left untreated, the injuries burdened by the remaining intact cartilage also increase. It also increases the risk of degenerative arthritis progression.

There are natural alternatives thought to be helpful for cartilage and joint health, such as glucosamine. This is a naturally-occurring substance in the body that is thought to help repair damaged cartilage.

One of the best things about using glucosamine is that it doesn’t cause side effects linked with the use of certain pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Glucosamine is believed to be one of the most popular joint enhancement supplements today. It is not just used by athletes but also individuals with arthritis.

Some of the most popular glucosamine supplements contain other unique ingredients, such as chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane, and turmeric.

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