Orthokine®

Orthokine® is a treatment which relieves joint and back pain, also cures tendon and muscle injuries, using a special serum derived from the patient’s own blood. This serum contains biologically active proteins called interleukin-1 receptor antagonists (IL-1Ra) which ease pain and reduce inflammation in damaged tissues. It is important to say that the Orthokine® procedure is not invasive and does not require any use of foreign substances.

What is the goal of the Orthokine®?

The Orthokine® therapy is based on the biological causes of osteoarthritis and inflammation. Many medical and biological studies have revealed that the protein called interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a trigger of joint diseases. It initiates inflammation process, causes pain and damages tissues. IL-1Ra, which is used in the Orthokine® therapy, blocks IL-1 and in this way it alleviates pain and inflammation.

Who is a candidate for the Orthokine®?

The Orthokine® is the most commonly performed procedure to treat osteoarthritis. The greater benefit is usually achieved in cases of mild to moderate osteoarthritis. This procedure is a great treatment option for people with aching knees, hips, ankles or shoulders. This modern therapy effectively treats back pain which is triggered by herniated disc, arthritis or stenosis (narrowing) of the spinal canal. Due to its pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, the Orthokine® therapy is also very beneficial in the treatment of tendons and muscles injuries.

When the Orthokine® procedure is not a good idea?

This procedure is not recommended in cases of acute infection or fever, the last three days after diarrhoea and a week after taking antibiotics. Moreover, a vaccination performed in the last four weeks is also a contraindication for the Orthokine®. Furthermore, this procedure is not recommended in situations when religious beliefs prohibit blood transfusion.

How is the Orthokine® performed?

The procedure requires blood withdrawal from the patient. Usually, a large vein in the patient’s arm is used and 50-60 ml of his or her blood is collected (it feels exactly like giving blood for a blood test). Then, the blood is labelled and placed in a special incubator at 37°C temperature for 24 hours. At this stage active proteins IL-1Ra are naturally produced in the blood. Later, the blood is placed in a centrifuge and spun for 10 minutes till blood serum consisting IL-1Ra cells separates from other blood cells. After that, IL-1Ra cells are filtered and concentrated in order to get a pure preparation which is ready to be re-injected. The patient usually receives an injection into the affected joint or inflamed nerve 1 or 2 times per week.

What to expect after the Orthokine®?

It is recommended to refrain from strenuous physical activities for 48 hours after the procedure. Moreover, the patient may experience pain for 48 hours. In addition, there is no information about negative interactions between the Orthokine® serum and other treatment methods or medications. The side effects of the Orthokine® usually include mild numbness at the injection site lasting for up to 2 hours, swelling and warmth at the injection site.

Famous athletes rely on the Orthokine®

The Orthokine® procedure is undoubtedly irreplaceable treatment method in sports, including basketball and football, where players often experience various injuries. For example, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Laker had successful Orthokine® treatment on his knee and ankle. Some basketball fans call it the Kobe procedure. Among other professionals who received the Orthokine® treatment are Jermaine O’Neal, NBA forward-center, Andrew Bogout, NBA center, Sidney Rice, NFL wide receiver, Brian Urlacher, former NFL linebacker, Fred Couples, golfer, Lindsey Berg, volleyball player and many others. Famous athletes of Lithuania are also provided with this unique treatment option in our clinic.