Introduction
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease that significantly impacts the quality of life due to chronic pain and functional limitations. Traditional treatments, including pharmacological interventions and surgery, often provide only temporary relief and carry the risk of adverse effects. This study explores the efficacy of Rigenera® Technology, an innovative autologous micrografting procedure, in reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee OA.
Methods
A prospective clinical study was conducted involving 10 patients with knee OA, who underwent the Rigenera® micrografting procedure. Micrografts were obtained from the patients' auricular cartilage and injected into the affected knee. Pain and function were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) at baseline and 1, 6, and 12 months post-procedure. Adverse events were monitored throughout the study.
Results
The mean VAS score significantly decreased from 8.3 ± 0.94 at baseline to 2.4 ± 0.51 at 1 month, with sustained improvements at 6 and 12 months. KOOS scores showed an 80% improvement at 1 month, stabilizing at 83% by 12 months. Similarly, WOMAC scores indicated a 55% reduction in pain and functional limitations by 12 months. No adverse events were reported, and all patients experienced complete healing of the biopsy site within 7 days.
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that autologous micrografting using Rigenera® Technology is a safe and effective method for managing pain and improving function in knee OA patients. These results suggest that this approach could reduce the need for invasive surgical interventions and enhance the quality of life for patients with OA. Further research with larger cohorts and extended follow-up is warranted to confirm these findings.