Arthritis

Arthritis Treatments
in Kansas City

What is arthritis?

Joints are made up of two or more bones connecting to one another. These bones are covered in cartilage which can wear down over time from activity and genetics (osteoarthritis), autoimmune illnesses (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis), or trauma (fractures, previous surgeries, or old sports injuries). Arthritis can be throughout the joint or in a more concentrated area known as an osteochondral defect (OCD). Motus specializes in the evaluation and treatment of arthritis in Kansas City.

What do my symptoms mean? Do I need surgery?

Regardless of the cause of knee arthritis, symptoms tend to be similar and consist of pain with activities such as squatting, pivoting, walking on uneven surfaces and up and down stairs. The pain is often associated with stiffness and can interfere with sleep. Routine conservative treatment options have included rest, activity modification, exercise, weight loss, anti-inflammatory medications, viscosupplementation injections (i.e. Synvisc and Euflexxa for knees), and steroid injections. When these therapies no longer provide pain relief, patients are oftentimes referred for arthroscopic surgery (to “clean out” arthritis) or for joint replacement.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Knee replacement and hip replacement surgeries are invasive and carry significant risks such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, and, infrequently, heart attack or stroke. There is a lengthy and painful recovery period that requires time off of work for most individuals.

Surgery involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage and replacing these with a prosthesis consisting of metal and a plastic spacer. This spacer acts as a smooth gliding surface. Unfortunately, every plastic spacer begins to wear and, occasionally, loosen with normal use and activity. This can be accelerated with being overweight or partaking in high-impact activities such as running, jogging, or jumping. These activities are not advised after replacement.

What is the labrum?

Both the shoulder and hip each have a labrum. These structures help to stabilize the ball and socket structure of these joints to prevent dislocation and laxity. The labrum is made of something known as fibrocartilage. Oftentimes, the labrum is subject to chronic injury and tearing due to arthritis.

What is the meniscus?

The menisci are located in the knee and are made of cartilage and the collagen seen in ligaments. There are two meniscus in each knee (the lateral and medial menisci). These act as “shock absorbers” and are involved in pivoting. Many patients with arthritis in the knees will have damage to the meniscus known as “degenerative” tears. Brand new, or “acute” tears, can occur with injuries.

It is important to know which kind of meniscus tear you have. This is because removing a part, or all, of the meniscus, can result in early or worsening arthritis. This is because the meniscus protects the cartilage covering the knee bones (known as articular or joint cartilage) from wearing down.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (May 1, 2015, Volume 91, Number 9), found there is emerging evidence showing that arthroscopic knee surgeries involving the “clean out” of degenerative meniscus tears, also known as partial meniscectomy, show no long-term benefit in middle-aged people.

At Motus, you have more natural options for your arthritis in Kansas City.

At Motus, we offer orthobiologics for arthritis in Kansas City to ideal candidates as an alternative to treat pain and prevent further wearing down of the joint. This can eliminate, or even prolong, the need for joint replacement in many individuals.

We do this by using cell exosomes and growth factors from your own body to promote the joint’s ability to naturally heal itself. At Motus, we harvest the products from the patient and concentrate them using an FDA-approved centrifuge device. We then use an ultrasound to guide these products to the exact area in need of treatment. This is often used in combination with PRP.  This is a quick in-office procedure that is cost efficient with minimal downtime when compared to traditional surgical approaches.

Am I a candidate for Nonoperative regenerative cellular therapy Treatments for arthritis in Kansas City?

Your initial consultation with Motus will consist of a regular doctor’s visit. We will ask you about your symptoms and previous treatments, perform a physical examination, and review any x-rays or MRI studies that you have had. We will also perform an ultrasound examination to evaluate the surrounding muscles, tendons, and bursa to see if there are additional conditions other than arthritis contributing to your pain that may need to be treated in addition to the joint at the time of the procedure. The entire visit is billed to your insurance. Should you be deemed a candidate for regenerative medicine treatments for arthritis in Kansas City, your next visit will be your procedure.

Motus evaluates your arthritic condition and provides you with a personalized plan of care whether this is physical therapy, cortisone or viscosupplementation injections, biologics, or even surgery. Should you not be a candidate for cell therapies and require surgery, Motus is pleased to refer you to one of the many terrific local orthopedic surgeons, or to the surgeon of your choice.  Motus is here to ensure you are aware of the options available to you.

Learn more about our Stem Cell treatments in Kansas City.

Learn more about our PRP treatments in Kansas City.