New treatment options needed for UAE national men in 20s and 30s suffering from symptomatic knee cartilage problems

Dubai, UAE: Orthopedic surgeons in the UAE have been working tirelessly to bring a cutting edge treatment from abroad to help treat various symptomatic knee cartilage conditions that are commonly found in UAE men who are in their 20s and 30s. Although total knee replacements are frequently used to treat patients of 55 or older, experts in the UAE are now looking for alternative treatment methods for those younger patients who wish to remain as productive members of society. 

According to Dr Murrell, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Dr Humeira Badsha Medical Center, Dubai, who spoke today at the 3rd International Congress for Joint Reconstruction – Middle East 2014 (ICJR Middle East), “In my clinic in Dubai, I treat an inordinately great number of cartilage problems and premature osteoarthritis of the knee. Symptomatic cartilage problems in adults are exceptionally common, in addition to bone metabolic disorders, osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency.”

For the past three years, Dr Murrell and his team have been working on bringing in a cutting edge treatment from abroad that could significantly help these younger patients. The treatment utilises a common orthopaedic procedure called ‘marrow stimulation’, combined with adding autologous (cells from the patient) peripheral blood progenitor cells (cells that can differentiate to form one or more kinds of cells, but cannot divide and reproduce indefinitely) and hyaluronic acid that is injected after surgery. Many of the treatments offered abroad are not yet available in the UAE due to regulations surrounding the manipulation of tissue abroad and then reimporting them into the country.

“To date, more than 500 patients have received this treatment worldwide with good results.  We have exclusive permission from the patent holder to use the technology here in Dubai and although we have had great support from the UAE Ministry of Health and the Dubai Cord Blood and Research Center (DCRC) we are still working tirelessly to gain approval from the appropriate regulatory bodies to bring this treatment to the UAE,” highlighted Dr Murrell.

Another research project that Dr Murrell and his team are working on include the treatment of rotator cuff syndrome with novel cytokine treatment.

Running alongside the Congress is an exhibition with 1000 attendees, and 35 exhibitors from 35 countries showcasing their latest products and services. Key industry giants showcasing their products and services include Max Medical, Zimmer, MERCK, American Hospital Dubai, and Johnson & Johnson.

ICJR Middle East, organised by Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions, continues on 1-2 May 2014 at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre and is free to attend for all trade professionals.