UK patients will now have access to an innovative treatment for joint pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.
Nuffield Health Glasgow Hospital is the first independent hospital in Scotland to offer nSTRIDE, a single injection into the knee joint which is designed to alleviate pain and bring balance back to the patients inflamed knee by introducing high levels of good proteins concentrated from their own blood.
These ‘good proteins’ can block the ‘bad proteins’ which are responsible for the inflammatory condition in the joint. Once balance in the knee joint is achieved, other ‘good proteins’ can then contribute to the health of the cartilage.
Clinical studies have shown a 70% improvement in knee pain. “These studies suggest one injection can last up to 24-36 months and more recently collected data has shown some patients even have pain relief for up to 5 years,” commented Jennifer Woodell-May, Research Director, Zimmer Biomet.
Osteoarthritis is damage caused to the knee joint over time. In a normal joint, cartilage provides cushioning between bones, as wear or a traumatic event occurs, the cartilage layer can become thinner or frayed resulting in knee pain. Over time, pain increases as cartilage wears away and bones rub against each other. Osteoarthritis negatively impacts quality of life through pain, limited ability, potentially reducing an individual’s ability to work or pursue their hobbies.
A personalised patient care plan at Nuffield Health Nuffield Health Glasgow Hospital will include access to a joint pain rehabilitation programme, physiotherapy appointments, and follow up with a specialist consultant.
Julie Campbell, Hospital Director at Nuffield Health Glasgow Hospital, commented: “People who are not suitable for knee surgery, but whose lifestyle is severely impacted by osteoarthritis may benefit from this new treatment and personalised care plan which connects to our rehabilitation services. It is fantastic news that Nuffield Health Glasgow Hospital is the first hospital in Scotland to offer this treatment and I am delighted that the multidisciplinary team have worked together to launch this new outpatient service.”
