Autologous Protein Serum

What is Autologous Protein Serum?

Autologous Protein Serum (APS) is a treatment that aims to reduce pain and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. It involves using the patient's blood to create a solution rich in anti-inflammatory proteins, which is injected into the affected joint. This treatment is a form of autologous protein solution therapy designed to address the underlying inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

Who is Suitable for Autologous Protein Serum?

Autologous Protein Serum is suitable for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. It is often considered for individuals who:

Experience chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis
Have not found sufficient relief from other conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or corticosteroid injections
Wish to delay or avoid knee surgery
Are looking for a treatment with a lower risk of side effects compared to other invasive procedures

However, not all patients are suitable candidates. Individuals with severe osteoarthritis, significant joint deformities, or active joint infections are typically not ideal candidates for Autologous Protein Serum. A thorough evaluation by a doctor is necessary to determine if APS is an appropriate treatment option.

Benefits of Autologous Protein Serum

Reduction in Pain: APS can significantly reduce knee pain associated with osteoarthritis.
Improved Joint Function: Patients often experience improved mobility and joint function after the treatment.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The therapy targets the inflammation that contributes to osteoarthritis symptoms.
Minimal Downtime: The procedure is minimally invasive and typically requires little to no downtime, allowing patients to return to their daily activities quickly.
Natural Treatment: Since APS uses the patient's blood components, the risk of adverse reactions is minimised.

Alternative Options to Autologous Protein Serum

Patients who are considering APS for osteoarthritis management have several alternative treatment options, including:

Conservative Treatments:

Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve joint function.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Corticosteroid Injections: Injections to reduce inflammation and pain in the knee joint.

Orthobiologic Treatments:

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: As mentioned, this involves injecting a concentration of platelets to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Stem Cell Therapy: Involves the injection of stem cells to promote tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections: These injections lubricate the knee joint, potentially reducing pain and improving mobility.

Surgical Options:

Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to clean out the joint and address any structural issues.
Osteotomy: A surgical procedure to realign the bones and reduce pressure on the knee joint.
Partial or Total Knee Replacement: Surgical procedures to replace damaged knee joint parts with artificial components.

Lifestyle Modifications:

Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the stress on the knee joint and alleviate symptoms.
Diet and Supplements: A balanced diet and certain supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, may support joint health.

What to Do Before an Autologous Protein Serum Therapy?

Before undergoing APS therapy, following certain preparatory steps is important to ensure the best possible outcome. Here are the key steps to take:

Consultation with a Specialist: Schedule an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and suitability for an Autologous Protein Serum. Ensure you provide a comprehensive list of medications, supplements, and any allergies you have.
Diagnostic Tests: Your doctor may order X-rays or MRI scans to evaluate the severity of osteoarthritis and confirm that Autologous Protein Serum is appropriate for you.
Medication Review: Discuss any medications you are currently taking with your doctor. You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or blood thinners, several days before the procedure.
Avoid Infections: If you have any infections or skin issues near the knee, inform your doctor, as these need to be resolved before the procedure.
Pre-procedure Instructions: Follow your doctor's instructions, such as fasting or hydrating well before the procedure.
Arrange Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you might experience discomfort or limited mobility immediately following the treatment.

What Happens During an Autologous Protein Serum Therapy?

Autologous Protein Serum therapy is a relatively straightforward and minimally invasive procedure. Here’s a step-by-step outline of what typically happens during the treatment:

Blood Draw: A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, similar to a routine blood test. This usually takes place in a clinic or hospital setting.
Preparation of the Autologous Protein Solution: The blood is then processed using a special centrifuge to separate the anti-inflammatory proteins and growth factors from the rest of the blood components. This process concentrates on the beneficial proteins.
Injection into the Knee Joint: The concentrated autologous protein solution is injected into the affected knee joint. The injection is guided by ultrasound or another imaging technique to ensure precise delivery to the target area.

What to Expect After an Autologous Protein Serum Injection?

After the Autologous Protein Serum injection, patients can expect the following:

Immediate Post-procedure:
Some patients may experience mild discomfort or swelling at the injection site. If necessary, this is usually temporary and can be managed with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers.
You may be advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for the day.
Gradual Improvement:
Over the following days and weeks, you should notice a gradual reduction in pain and improvement in joint function. The anti-inflammatory proteins work to reduce inflammation and promote healing within the joint.
Follow-up Appointments:
Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure the treatment works effectively.

Autologous Protein Serum Recovery Plan

A comprehensive recovery plan is essential to maximise the benefits of Autologous Protein Serum therapy.

Immediate Post-procedure Care:
Rest the affected knee for the first 24-48 hours. Avoid activities that put excessive strain on the joint.
Use ice packs to reduce any swelling or discomfort.
Gradual Return to Activities:
Begin gentle, low-impact activities such as walking or swimming after a few days, as your doctor advises.
Avoid high-impact activities like running, jumping, or heavy lifting for several weeks.
Physical Therapy:
Engage in a physical therapy program tailored to your specific needs. A physical therapist can provide exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee, improve flexibility, and enhance joint function.
Follow the exercise regimen consistently to achieve the best results.
Medication Management:
Continue to take any prescribed medications as directed by your doctor. This may include pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Avoid using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) immediately after the procedure, as they can interfere with the healing process.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee joint. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help with weight management.
Incorporate joint-friendly activities like swimming, cycling, or yoga into your routine.
Regular Monitoring:
Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your doctor. Regular monitoring allows your doctor to assess your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Autologous Protein Serum Prognosis

The prognosis for APS therapy patients is generally positive, particularly those with mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Key points include:

Pain Reduction: Many patients experience a significant reduction in knee pain within a few weeks to months after the procedure.
Improved Function: Patients often report better joint function and mobility, allowing them to return to normal daily activities.
Long-term Benefits: Some studies suggest that Autologous Protein Serum's benefits can last up to two years, although individual results may vary.
Delaying Surgery: For some patients, Autologous Protein Serum can help delay the need for more invasive procedures, such as knee replacement surgery.

Autologous Protein Serum Risks

Possible risks include:

Infection: There's a small risk of infection at the injection site.
Pain and Swelling: Some patients may experience temporary pain or swelling in the knee after the injection.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, an allergic reaction to the components used during blood processing could occur.
Ineffectiveness: Not all patients will experience significant improvement, and some may find that the treatment does not alleviate their symptoms as expected.
Joint Damage: There's a very low risk of joint or surrounding structures damage during injection.

What if Autologous Protein Serum is Delayed?

If Autologous Protein Serum therapy is delayed, the patient may continue to experience symptoms of osteoarthritis, including pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Potential consequences of postponing treatment include:

Progression of Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis may continue to progress, potentially leading to further joint damage and increased pain.
Reduced Quality of Life: Ongoing pain and limited mobility can negatively impact the patient’s quality of life and ability to perform daily activities.
Increased Need for Pain Management: Patients may need to rely more on pain medications, which can have their side effects and risks.
Potential for More Invasive Treatments: Delaying APS might necessitate more invasive treatments, such as knee replacement surgery, sooner than anticipated.