injections of cartilidge etc

[joko]

is there any reason why a sort of silicon like substance has not been created that can be injected between joints etc,,,to replace worn cartilidge?

surely this would be better than hip replacements, walking frames etc etc

but i assume there is some reason it hasnt...anyone know why?
thanks

[craft1948]

Don't know.....wouldn't the body reject it?

[boxtops]

This suggests that the body would reject it http://orthopedics.ab...thritis/a/replace.htm

[looby1914]

I wish they would be able to make a replacement cartillage as got practically zero in one knee
and very little in the other.

[RATTER15]

It would need to support the weight of the body, so would need to set hard and be very durable. I don't think that this would be an option for the foreseeable future, but who knows what they are working on in the labs. I'm sure my dear Mrs RATTER would have loved this option after having 2 total knee replacements.

She is now getting the benefits of 2 relatively good knees, never the same as the original but she is now off crutches and just uses a stick, these knees have given her a life again.

[Sqad]

Osteoarthritis is just not a cartilage problem but also in most cases a problem of the underlying bone, which may be thickened and also forming boney out growths.

Removing the cartilage is no big deal and injecting silicone is no big deal, but one is then left with the diseased bone beneath which is often responsible for the debilitating pain of OA.

This will be sorted in the next 20years, which will make joint replacements unnecessary.

[joko]

ah i see cheers guys

incidentally - any reason why we cant have whole bone transplants? perhaps sliding in a new shin bone in the leg like putting on a sock (lol)

but seriously - why isnt this done? why are they metal replacements?

[jno]

any chance of them bringing it forward a bit, Sqad?

[LoftyLottie]

Mmmm, I will be sorted out then when I am in my eighties - nearly as old as dear old Sqad ;o)

[beso]

The joints are under such loads that it needs living material to be constantly rebuilt. The joints actively dissolve cartilage under stress so more will replace it. The more a joint is used the faster the cartilage dissolves. Unfortunately the replacement slows with age.

Some success growing cartilage has been achieved but effective treatment is still some way off.

Metal and synthetic cartilage substitutes are not as good as the original stuff. Artificial joints were out faster than a living one. The young natural joint is as slippery as ice.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are popular but largely ineffective dietry suppliments. In my experience reducing the load and eating geletine is the most effective treatment.

[craft1948]

I played so much sport when I was younger that the cartilage in both my knees is shot. Unlike beso I find that glucosamine and chondroitin are extremely beneficial, and I take this in liquid form each morning.
I need replacement knees but have been advised I'm unlikely to get them before I'm 65, I assume they like to leave it as long as possible because of their short shelf life.

[beso]

I think most of the improvement in joints is due to sufferers taking more care to not stress their weakened joints. This gives them a chance to recover a bit. We tend to attribute the benefits to whatever we are doing at the time.

I happily eat my geltine lollies. They are cheaper than the expensive powders and more fun to eat.

[madmaggot]

I recently saw a programme that showed that scientists are working on replacement 'cartilage' made from silk. Said it should be available within a few years.
I certainly hope so as I have osteoarthritis in the cerebral spine; can't get replacement neck!!

[RATTER15]

Craft, Mrs RATTER got her knee replacements at 58 and it gave her a life again.