Total joint replacement (arthroplasty) is one of the most effective solutions for patients with severe joint problems. However, in many cases, arthroplasty is the treatment that should be avoided. That is because, while arthroplasty can offer effective and persistent pain relief and function recovery, it also comes with many significant risks, a long recovery period, and the potential for future complications.
At Implai we know that not all patients who might require joint replacement are ready for “the metal joint”. Consequently, we offer a number of solutions that are able to provide an alternative for total joint replacement, bringing suitable pain relief and function recovery. Moreover, we are certain that regular therapy based on our hyaluronic acid is able to delay the necessity for total joint replacement.
At Implai we know that not all patients who might require joint replacement are ready for “the metal joint”. Consequently, we offer a number of solutions that are able to provide an alternative for total joint replacement, bringing suitable pain relief and function recovery. Moreover, we are certain that regular therapy based on our hyaluronic acid is able to delay the necessity for total joint replacement.
Why do patients need to have their joint replaced with an artificial one?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of joint pathology, affecting millions of people worldwide. As the pathological condition progresses, it induces a number of negative and irreversible changes in joint tissues, including cartilage, bone, synovial membrane, meniscus, and ligaments. In the final stage, an OA-affected joint is not able to fulfill its motor function. Degraded cartilage is not providing gliding potential, the inflamed synovial membrane is not producing lubrication fluid, and the degenerated meniscus is not absorbing shocks accordingly, thus the joint cannot move correctly. Importantly, the effects of the OA extend far beyond the physical symptoms, significantly impacting various aspects of a patient’s life, including their mobility, mental health, and overall quality of life.
Importantly, no effective and successful therapy for osteoarthritis has yet been introduced. Thus, in order to restore joint function and repeal the patient's disability, the sole option at the final stage of the disease is the replacement of the OA-affected joint with an artificial one. In the United States alone, approximately 790,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed each year, with OA being the leading cause. The financial and physical burdens of these surgeries underscore the importance of effective, non-surgical interventions. However, what’s even more important is that, despite the severe mobility limitations resulting from OA development, not all suffering patients can have their joint replaced due to various limitations, including:
Importantly, no effective and successful therapy for osteoarthritis has yet been introduced. Thus, in order to restore joint function and repeal the patient's disability, the sole option at the final stage of the disease is the replacement of the OA-affected joint with an artificial one. In the United States alone, approximately 790,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed each year, with OA being the leading cause. The financial and physical burdens of these surgeries underscore the importance of effective, non-surgical interventions. However, what’s even more important is that, despite the severe mobility limitations resulting from OA development, not all suffering patients can have their joint replaced due to various limitations, including:
- medical contraindications like severe cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory diseases, or poorly controlled diabetes,
- severe obesity,
- active infections,
- blood disorders,
- advanced age and frailty,
- inadequate bone quality,
- osteoporosis,
- severe joint deformity or abnormal anatomy,
- high risk of infection,
- immunosuppression,
- poor rehabilitation compliance.
Does this mean that those patients are likely to experience ongoing suffering due to the progression of the OA?
Not necessary…
Not necessary…
The role of hyaluronic acid in joint health
At Implai, we are committed to enhancing joint health through the use of hyaluronic acid (HA), a vital component naturally found throughout the body. HA is especially concentrated in synovial fluid, where its viscous properties are essential for enabling smooth, frictionless joint movement.
In OA, the quality and quantity of HA in the synovial fluid are significantly diminished, leading to increased friction, pain, and joint degeneration. This depletion of HA contributes to the progression of OA, creating a cycle of deterioration that severely impacts patients' quality of life.
Implai is dedicated to addressing this challenge by providing high-quality HA products, designed to replenish the depleted HA in osteoarthritic joints. Our HA-based intra-articular injections are a therapeutic strategy aimed at restoring the natural environment of the joint, reducing pain, improving mobility, and potentially slowing the progression of OA.
In OA, the quality and quantity of HA in the synovial fluid are significantly diminished, leading to increased friction, pain, and joint degeneration. This depletion of HA contributes to the progression of OA, creating a cycle of deterioration that severely impacts patients' quality of life.
Implai is dedicated to addressing this challenge by providing high-quality HA products, designed to replenish the depleted HA in osteoarthritic joints. Our HA-based intra-articular injections are a therapeutic strategy aimed at restoring the natural environment of the joint, reducing pain, improving mobility, and potentially slowing the progression of OA.
How does HA intra-articular therapy slow down the progression of the OA and postpone the necessity for joint replacement?
At Implai, we recognize the strong and rich clinical evidence supporting the use of HA injections in managing OA symptoms. Our HA products have carefully selected properties in order to provide significant pain relief and improve joint function, with effects that last for several months. This extended period of symptom relief and enhanced mobility helps patients manage the everyday struggles caused by the OA.
However, HA intra-articular injections have another critical role when used regularly as therapy in OA. Namely, a particularly compelling aspect of repeated HA injections is their potential to delay the progression of knee osteoarthritis and thus postpone the necessity for total joint replacement. In detail, studies have shown that patients receiving regular HA injections may experience slower cartilage degradation and persistently diminished inflammation.
However, HA intra-articular injections have another critical role when used regularly as therapy in OA. Namely, a particularly compelling aspect of repeated HA injections is their potential to delay the progression of knee osteoarthritis and thus postpone the necessity for total joint replacement. In detail, studies have shown that patients receiving regular HA injections may experience slower cartilage degradation and persistently diminished inflammation.
The weight of these effects was summarized by very extensive socio-medical studies in which more than 180,000 patients were analyzed and provided clear evidence that regular HA injections can meaningfully postpone the need for total knee replacement. Data from a clinical study proved that patients who didn't receive HA required joint replacement after about 0.3 years, while those with one course of HA could delay it for over a year. Most strikingly, five courses of HA intra-articular injections could delay joint replacement by almost 4 years!
The more HA treatments patients received, the longer they could postpone surgery and live a good quality of life without pain and with improved mobility.
The more HA treatments patients received, the longer they could postpone surgery and live a good quality of life without pain and with improved mobility.
How can patient benefit directly?
Patients can directly benefit from the fact that HA can delay the necessity for total joint replacement in several important ways. By extending the time before the surgery, they can maintain their natural joint function longer, allowing for greater mobility and fewer limitations in their daily lives.
Additionally, delaying surgery helps patients avoid the immediate risks and complications of a major procedure, such as infections and lengthy recovery periods.
At Implai, our mission is to empower patients with OA to manage their condition effectively, without immediately resorting to invasive procedures like total joint replacement. We believe in the potential of our HA products to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives, offering them relief from pain and improved mobility. By delaying the progression of OA, our HA injections provide patients with valuable time to enjoy a better quality of life.
We remain committed to advancing non-surgical therapies that help patients maintain their independence and well-being. Your joint health is our priority, and we are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.
Additionally, delaying surgery helps patients avoid the immediate risks and complications of a major procedure, such as infections and lengthy recovery periods.
At Implai, our mission is to empower patients with OA to manage their condition effectively, without immediately resorting to invasive procedures like total joint replacement. We believe in the potential of our HA products to make a meaningful difference in patients' lives, offering them relief from pain and improved mobility. By delaying the progression of OA, our HA injections provide patients with valuable time to enjoy a better quality of life.
We remain committed to advancing non-surgical therapies that help patients maintain their independence and well-being. Your joint health is our priority, and we are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.