Concepts for Consideration
Minimally invasive biologic and structurally supported treatment options for:
- Bone marrow lesions
- Bone marrow edema
- Cysts
- Insufficiency fractures
- Cartilage lesions
IO-Core Procedure
The IO-Core procedure utilizes biologics to decompress painful lesions and introduce autologous biologic material to accelerate healing of damaged subchondral bone and degenerating cartilage.
Challenge
Bone pathologies resulting from chronic injury, bone marrow lesions, and osteonecrosis may lead to severe pain, disability, and eventual total knee replacement.
Osteoarthritis is strongly associated with bone marrow lesions and cartilage degeneration.
Conservative Treatment Options
- Rest
- NSAIDs
- Physical therapy
- Weight loss
- Low-impact exercise
- Unloader bracing
Minimally Invasive Treatments
- Corticosteroid injections
- Viscosupplementation
Surgical Treatment Options
- Arthroscopy
- Subchondroplasty
- Osteotomy
- Osteochondral defect repair
- Partial or total knee replacement
Mechanical / Structural Support
Standard subchondroplasty uses calcium phosphate injection to stabilize subchondral bone.
Concerns regarding overfilling and postoperative complications have been documented in recent studies.
Biological Support
Bone marrow concentrate rich in stem cells and growth factors may help support healing and bone regeneration.
Autologous bone marrow aspirate is widely used in orthopedic regenerative medicine.
IO-Core Procedure Overview
The IO-Core procedure combines:
- Core decompression
- Intraosseous autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate injection
- Placement of autologous bone dowel grafts
This technique is designed to promote osteoinduction, osteoconduction, and healthy bone growth.
Evidence
Published studies have shown improvements in:
- Pain reduction
- Functional outcomes
- Bone healing
- Osteoarthritis progression delay
