Do you have knee pain?
Knee pain is a common symptom experienced by people of all ages. It can be caused by a traumatic event, or by normal wear and tear that can become worse over time, likely due to arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and happens when cartilage, the rubbery padding that protects the ends of bones, wears out in your knee over time. It can affect people differently, with some just feeling minor discomfort while others have trouble doing day-to-day tasks. As well as joint pain and stiffness, osteoarthritis can cause swelling, tenderness and a gritty, rasping feeling in your knee.
nSTRIDE APS for knee pain
The nSTRIDE APS injection treatment is designed to alleviate pain and bring balance back to your inflamed knee joint by introducing high levels of “good” proteins concentrated from your own blood. These good proteins can block the “bad” proteins responsible for the inflammatory condition in your joint. At the same time, nSTRIDE APS also concentrates growth factors which are beneficial for cartilage health.
What’s involved in nSTRIDE APS?
The treatment is designed to be a single injection therapy in the out-patient clinic setting. Blood is withdrawn like a simple blood test, the clinician processes the patient’s blood to concentrate white blood cells, platelets, and plasma proteins into a small volume of plasma. It is autologous, not a synthetic therapy and does not require cell culture.
The prepared nSTRIDE APS (approx 2-3 ccs) is administered as a joint injection directly into the knee joint cavity, the injection offers:
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Joint pain reduction
- Promotion of cartilage health
- Improvement of joint function
You may experience side effects (e.g., bruising, local pain or swelling) associated with the blood draw, knee injection, MRI or X-Ray procedures. It’s important to remember that there is no cure for osteoarthritis but successful treatment with nSTRIDE APS may reduce or relieve your pain which may increase you your mobility and comfort. Your osteoarthritis may not improve or may get worse. Read the post-treatment guidelines here.
The science behind nSTRIDE APS
In an osteoarthritic knee, inflammatory cytokines (“bad” proteins) outnumber anti-inflammatory cytokines (“good” proteins) causing an imbalance resulting in knee pain and cartilage degeneration. The “bad” proteins attack the cartilage and must be stopped simultaneously to decrease pain and slow cartilage degeneration.
The prepared nSTRIDE APS introduces high levels of “good” proteins that is designed to overwhelm and block the “bad” proteins. These “good” proteins may help stimulate a biologic cascade which has been shown to block cartilage destruction in osteoarthritis. The pain in the joint may be reduced, and the joint function may be improved. The ongoing destruction of cartilage may also be slowed.
Laboratory, animal and human studies have shown that nSTRIDE APS has decreased pain and slowed cartilage degeneration, unlike traditional therapies.
- Significantly Reduces Pain Associated with Knee OA up to 2 years
- Significantly improves Mobility in the Knee Joint associated with OA
- 70% Improvement in Knee Pain at 2 years following a Single Injection
Frequently asked questions
When will the treatment start to work?
Pain relief may be expected after one to two weeks. Read the post-treatment guidelines here.
Is nSTRIDE APS safe?
Yes. Studies have demonstrated the safety of nSTRIDE APS.8*, 11
Will I be able to be active as usual during the course of my treatment?
It is recommended that you minimize your activity level for 14 days (but not to exceed pre-injection levels).
How long can I expect the benefits to last?
Based on preclinical and early clinical results, patients may expect to see benefits for up to 24 months.8*, 11, 16
Who can be treated with the nSTRIDE APS?
Patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis can receive nSTRIDE APS therapy.
How many injections of nSTRIDE APS are required?
Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of one injection. Studies suggest one injection can last up to 24 months.
Clinical evidence references
- Kon E, Engebretsen L, Verdonk P, Nehrer S and Filardo G. “Autologous Protein Solution Injections for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis. 3-Year Results.” The American Journal of Sports Medicine 2020;48(11):2703–2710.
- Bertone AL, Ishihara A, Zekas LJ, et al. Evaluation of a Single Intra-articular Injection of Autologous Protein Solution for Treatement of Osteoarthritis in horses. American Journal of Veterinary Medicine 2014 Feb:75(2):141-151.
- van der Weegen W, van Drumpt R, Toler KO, Macenski MM,” Safety and Outcomes Following a Single Autologous Protein Solution injection for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study.” International Cartilage Repair Society, #6471, May 8-11, 2015, Chicago, IL.
- Kon E, Engebretsen L, Verdonk P, Nehrer S and Filardo G. “Clinical Outcomes of Knee Osteoarthritis Treated With an Autologous Protein Solution Injection: A 1-Year Pilot Double-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial” I CRS 14th World Congress, presented 2018.