Osteoarthritis progresses gradually. In the late stages of the disease, joints sustain severe damage. Total joint replacement (arthroplasty) becomes the primary treatment method, involving the removal of the patient's own joints and the implantation of artificial ones.This is a highly invasive surgical method. During joint replacement, all natural structures—including the articular surfaces and the joint capsule—are destroyed, making it impossible to restore the joint's regenerative processes.
Arthro-medullary shunting is an effective treatment method for stage II–III osteoarthritis. Shunting ensures joint preservation, rapid recovery, and a high quality of life. What makes this method unique?
The fact is that it utilizes the body's own resources to treat damaged joint structures. A hollow arthro-medullary shunt is implanted into the affected joint. Thanks to the shunt, the patient's own bone marrow fat begins to enter the cavity of the affected joint. The bone marrow fat mixes with the synovial fluid and improves its lubricating capacity. Friction within the joint is reduced, and lost functions are restored. The patient preserves their natural joint and returns to a healthy life within just a few days.The method proves effective even in complex cases—for instance, in patients with varus or valgus alignment deformity during stage II, III, and IV osteoarthritis. This means that the axis of the limb is curved and must be corrected before the shunt is implanted. Such an intervention is known as "corrective osteotomy of the tibia or femur." By combining osteotomy with shunting, excellent results can be achieved in just a single procedure."
Consult an expert regarding the treatment of osteoarthritis using arthro-medullary shunting if:
- aching joint pain disrupts your sleep at night;
- you notice a restricted range of motion;
- your knees swell significantly during the day;
- you are unable to squat. It is worth noting that shunt implantation demonstrates high efficacy in overweight and obese patients for whom joint replacement is contraindicated.
Due to increased compression on the bone, more bone marrow fat is released into the joint cavity. This has a beneficial effect on all periarticular structures and ensures better joint lubrication. The earlier you consult a doctor for osteoarthritis treatment, the more effective the shunting will be —ranging from complete pain relief to 100% functional recovery.