Use of Human Amnion/Chorion Allografts in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Currently, there is no cure for osteoarthritis (OA). Preliminary treatments focus on symptomatic relief. Initially, patients receive cortisone shots, followed by viscosupplementation in a few weeks. Platelet rich plasma injections are also an option. Surgical options include debridement of joints, osteotomy, arthroscopy, or fusion of the bones. Laboratory studies using rats support the use of amniotic membrane (AM) and chorion membrane (CM) in the regeneration and repair of soft tissues. The potential for CM and AM to moderate osteoarthritis has not been explored in length as yet; however, indirect evidence suggests that they may have advantageous effects on cartilages.

Keywords: Amnion, Arthritis, Chorion, DHACM, Growth factors, Knee, Mesenchymal cells, Placenta, regenerative, Osteoarthritis.