Exosome Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis

Exosome Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common joint diseases encountered in orthopedics, and its incidence increases significantly, especially after the age of 40. This disease, medically known as osteoarthritis, occurs as a result of the gradual wear, thinning, and loss of the protective function of the cartilage tissue in the knee joint. As the cartilage deteriorates, friction between joint surfaces increases, leading to both chronic pain and limitation of movement. Today, thanks to advances in regenerative medicine, non-surgical treatment options have become increasingly common. Among these methods, exosome therapy has become a promising option, especially for patients who do not want surgery, wish to delay surgery, or have early-stage knee osteoarthritis. Prof. Dr. Çetin Işık, who has successfully applied treatments in orthopedics and traumatology for many years, emphasizes that with proper patient selection, exosome therapy can help reduce knee pain, support joint function, and significantly improve patients’ quality of life.

What is Knee Osteoarthritis and How Does it Develop?

The knee joint is a complex structure consisting of the femur, tibia, and patella bones. The ends of these bones are covered with cartilage tissue that reduces friction and facilitates movement. In a healthy knee, this cartilage tissue is smooth and prevents damage to the bones during joint movement. However, due to aging, trauma, or excessive load, this cartilage layer begins to thin. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones come into greater contact with each other, which may lead to pain, stiffness, and loss of movement over time. As the disease progresses, joint deformity may develop and daily activities may become seriously restricted.

Effects of Knee Osteoarthritis on Daily Life

Knee osteoarthritis is not only a physical condition. Persistent pain may limit mobility and reduce quality of life. Patients often have difficulty climbing stairs, cannot walk long distances, and in some cases may feel pain even during short walks. This condition may negatively affect patients both physically and psychologically.

What Causes Knee Osteoarthritis?

As age advances, the ability of cartilage tissue to regenerate decreases. This causes the cartilage to become more vulnerable and wear out over time.

Joint Load Due to Excess Weight

Excess weight increases the load on the knee joint and accelerates cartilage wear. Therefore, obesity is an important risk factor for knee osteoarthritis.

Sports Injuries and Trauma

Meniscus tears, ligament injuries, and knee trauma may disrupt joint structure and lead to osteoarthritis in later years.

Genetic Predisposition

Individuals with a family history of knee osteoarthritis have a higher risk of developing this disease.

What is Exosome Therapy?

Exosome therapy is the therapeutic use of biological structures naturally secreted by cells that enable communication between cells. These structures contain growth factors, proteins, and molecules that support regeneration. Thanks to these properties, they may support the repair process of damaged tissues and accelerate healing. As an important part of regenerative medicine, this treatment method has been increasingly preferred in orthopedics in recent years.

How Does Exosome Therapy Work in Knee Osteoarthritis?

Exosome therapy contains biological signals that initiate healing at the cellular level in the applied area. These signals may support the self-renewal capacity of damaged tissues.

Reduction of Joint Inflammation

Inflammation is one of the main causes of pain in osteoarthritis. Exosomes may help reduce inflammation and contribute to relieving pain.

Support of Joint Functions

After treatment, many patients may experience increased mobility and reduced pain levels.

How is Exosome Therapy Applied?

Detailed Orthopedic Evaluation

Before treatment, the patient’s knee joint is evaluated in detail. This evaluation is very important in determining the suitability of the treatment.

Intra-Articular Injection

The prepared exosome therapy is injected into the knee joint under sterile conditions. The procedure is usually short, and the patient can return home on the same day.

What are the Advantages of Exosome Therapy?

Not requiring surgery is one of the most important advantages of this treatment. This eliminates surgical risks.

Fast Recovery Process

Patients can usually return to their daily lives in a short time after treatment.

Support of Natural Healing

This treatment supports the body’s own natural healing mechanisms.

Who is Exosome Therapy Suitable For?

Exosome therapy may be effective especially in patients with early and moderate-stage knee osteoarthritis. It is also an important alternative for patients who do not want surgery.

Factors Affecting the Success of Exosome Therapy

The success of the treatment may vary depending on many factors, including the patient’s overall health condition, stage of the disease, level of joint damage, and lifestyle.

Can Exosome Therapy Delay Knee Replacement Surgery?

Exosome therapy applied in suitable patients may delay the need for knee replacement surgery. This provides an important advantage, especially for patients who are not yet ready for surgery.

Recovery Process After Exosome Therapy

Most patients can return to daily life shortly after treatment. However, it may take time for the full effect of the treatment to appear. Following the doctor’s recommendations during this period is important.

Is Exosome Therapy Safe?

When performed by a specialist doctor, exosome therapy is considered a safe method. Side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Can Exosome Therapy Improve Quality of Life?

Exosome therapy applied in suitable patients may help reduce pain and improve mobility. This may allow patients to continue their daily lives more comfortably. Prof. Dr. Çetin Işık states that regenerative therapies are an important development in orthopedics and that successful results can be achieved with proper patient selection.

Can Exosome Therapy Replace Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment in the Future?

Scientific studies conducted today show that regenerative therapies such as exosome therapy will be used more widely in orthopedics. Because these methods offer non-surgical solutions, they may become more common in the future.

Exosome therapy for knee osteoarthritis stands out as a modern, innovative, and non-surgical treatment method. With proper patient selection and specialist application, it may help reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life. Today, many patients consider this treatment option before surgical intervention.