BYNUM'S KNEE TREATMENT GAINS ACCEPTANCE IN U.S.

Philly.com Bynum's Knee Treatment Gains Acceptance 
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I'm sure everyone is curious of this experimental treatment that pro athletes are flying to Germany to have done.  It is a Similar treatment to PRP (platelet rich plasma) that is done here in the states.  PRP is used to stimulate healing of tissue where Bynum's therapy, Regenokine or Orthokine treatment, is in theory blocking inflammation through the infanti-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra).  The hope is that it can alter the inflammatory response and limit cartilage erosion present in osteoarthritis.  To date, there only a few studies that support this claim, and no longer term trials supporting its use.  Insurance does not pay for either PRP or Regenokine/Orthokine treatments which cost hundreds (PRP) to thousands of dollars (Regenokine).  There are other treatment options that are covered by insurance and have research to support their use, such as viscosupplementation.  It's important to discuss your options with an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist as newer isn't always better and potential downsides do exist for some treatments, the least of which is the money you've spent for a treatment that didn't work.