Over the last decade, Orthokine (IL-1-Ra) has gained popularity for treating patients with chondral damage grade 3-4 in the knees. Orthokine is an IL-1 receptor antagonist and has been shown to reduce the inflammatory process in the joint, improve pain and functionality. The purpose of the current study was to estimate results of Orthokine injections preformed in one institution since 2014.
Methods: 56 patients which underwent Orthokine injections to the knee joint were identified. A survey was sent via text message and email, patients who did not respond were interviewed over the phone. The survey consisted of 5 questions - pain improvement, satisfaction, return to sport, recommendation and following surgery.
Results: Overall, 47 patients participated in the survey, 21 were females, average age of 62 [27 to 86] and mean follow-up of 14 months [6 to 56]. During the study period, only 3 patients underwent surgery, 2 joint replacements and one knee arthroscopy; 85% returned to sport; 74% would recommend the procedure to a friend. For 28% of the participants the pain and knee symptoms were completely resolved and 30% were extremely satisfied. On average men were more satisfied than women, and had better pain improvement, however that value was’t statistically significant [pValue more than 0.1]. Comparing age groups, patients between the ages 40-60 had significantly better pain improvement and satisfaction when compared to patients between the ages 60 to 80 [pValue 0.01 for both]. Comparing same injections preformed to grade 4 chondral damage in the hip joint, 4 out of 5 patients underwent hip ajoint replacement after 12 months of follow-up, with average of 0 satisfaction and pain imrpvement.
Conclusions: Orthokine treatment was found to be beneficial for 75% of patients with grade 3-4 chondral damage in the knee joint, with better results in the population younger than 60.
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