Hydrogel alone or in Combination with Regenerative Interventions for Knee Osteoarthritis, A Case Series

Author(s): Torbjörn Ogéus DC, PgD, MSc, ScA

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is one of the most prevalent degenerative joint diseases worldwide, contributing to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and diminished quality of life. As the primary weightbearing joint, the knee is particularly susceptible to OA, especially in older adults and those with a history of joint injury or obesity. Hydrogels have garnered significant attention as a minimally invasive treatment option for knee OA.

Hydrogels are water-rich, three-dimensional polymer networks that mimic the natural composition and function of cartilage, making them suitable for use as cushioning agents in the joint. A particular approach is the use of polyacrylamide hydrogel injections, which are non-biodegradable and designed to provide long-lasting pain relief by acting as a viscoelastic buffer within the joint.

Case presentations: Four patients both male and female, all with chronic pain and reduced physical function due to osteoarthritis of the knee. All four showed a remarkable reduction in pain and increase in function after a combination of hydrogel and regenerative interventions such as stem cells, exosomes or platelet injections.

Conclusion: These cases raise the hypothesis that hydrogel has a promising function and pain reduction capacity, especially in combination with regenerative medicine interventions. Some indications show that hydrogel might work as a scaffold for other regenerative interventions. Further research is required to test this theory.

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