Frequently Asked Questions: 

What exactly is Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) and how does it affect me?

• - Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the joint cartilage gradually wears down over time, resulting in inflammation, bone spur development, and joint deformity. 
• - While it can impact various weight-bearing joints in the body, the knees are the most frequently affected areas. 
• - In its early stages, you may notice mild tightness, swelling, and pain when navigating stairs or walking on inclines. 
• - As the disease advances, the cartilage can completely wear away, leading to severe stiffness, restricted movement, weakness when squatting, and structural deformities like bow legs. 

What is Autologous Protein Solution (APS) therapy?

• - APS is an innovative, targeted treatment that utilizes specific proteins extracted from your own blood to alleviate the pain caused by knee osteoarthritis. 
• - Because the anti-inflammatory solution is created entirely from your own body, there is absolutely no risk of immune rejection or allergic reactions. 
• - It is designed to directly target both inflammation and joint pain, providing a concentrated dose of your body's natural healing factors. 

How does it differ from traditional platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection?

• - PRP utilizes the platelets isolated from your blood to repair tissue. They are packed with growth factors that help build new healthy tissues around your muscles, tendons and joints.
• - APS not only repairs but also stops the inflammation process. It isolated the anti-inflammatory protein (namely interleukin 1 receptor antagonist - IL-1ra) that suppress the on-going inflammation in the degenerative joint and also deliver the healing growth factors of PRP

The Core Differences at a Glance

How does the APS injection work inside the knee?

• - Inside every healthy joint, there is a delicate balance between "good" proteins (which suppress inflammation and protect tissues) and "bad" proteins (which promote inflammation and damage cartilage). 
• - When a patient develops osteoarthritis, the "bad" inflammatory proteins multiply, disrupting this balance and accelerating the breakdown of cartilage. 
• - Our APS therapy works by isolating and concentrating the "good" anti-inflammatory proteins and growth factors from your blood while actively blocking the "bad" proteins. 
• - Once injected into the knee, this highly concentrated solution restores the healthy protein balance, suppresses inflammation, and helps delay further cartilage destruction. 

Am I a good candidate for this treatment?

• - This therapy is highly recommended for patients dealing with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. 
• - It is particularly beneficial for early-stage patients who want to proactively manage their pain and slow down cartilage degeneration, rather than just waiting for the condition to worsen to the point of needing surgery. 

Will this treatment cure my osteoarthritis?

• - Currently, there is no absolute cure for osteoarthritis. 
• - However, various studies have shown that APS injections can successfully diminish or eliminate joint pain, reduce stiffness, and significantly restore your mobility and daily comfort. 

What is the step-by-step process on the day of treatment?

• - The entire procedure takes roughly one hour and can be conveniently completed as a day procedure setting. 
• - Step 1: The doctor will draw approximately 60 ml of blood from your arm, just like a routine blood test. 
• - Step 2: Your blood is immediately transferred to a sterile, patented centrifuge device. Over the next 20 to 25 minutes, it is processed and concentrated into a high-potency protein solution. 
• - Step 3: The doctor will then precisely inject about 2 to 4 mL of this customized solution directly into your affected knee joint. 
• - Step 4: You will rest and be monitored in the clinic for about one hour following the injection. 

How long does it take for APS to take effect and how long does it last?

• - Most patients report symptomatic relief within 2 weeks of injection.
• - Patients typically enjoy significant pain relief that lasts anywhere from 12 to 24 months, with benefits sometimes extending up to two full years. 

Are there any side effects I should be aware of?

• - The APS solution itself is perfectly natural to your body and causes no side effects. 
• - You might experience some temporary, minor side effects related strictly to the physical procedure, such as slight bruising, local swelling, or mild pain at the blood draw site or the knee injection site. 
• - Although infection can be a serious side effect, the procedure is conducted in a sterile operation theatre thus minimizing the risk.

What if I have persistent pain after the injection?

• - With a careful patient selection, APS should only be offered to mild to moderate osteoarthritis patients. 
• - Pain within the first 2 weeks of injection is common. Patients should seek for medical advice if there is fever or worsening of pain and swelling.
• - In severe cases or persistent pain despite conservative management, knee replacement surgeries should be considered.