iO-CORE™ PROCEDURE

What Is the iO-Core™ Procedure?

The iO-Core™ procedure technique is a proprietary sequence of procedures that combines orthopedic methods with biologics to address joint pain caused by arthritis/osteoarthritis, orthopedic injuries and other trauma. Arthritis is a degenerative condition that causes joint pain, inflammation, stiffness and loss of joint mobility. Additionally, age, wear and tear lead to erosion of the protective surface layer of cartilage that covers joints. 

Unlike traditional arthritis treatment methods that focus on symptom reduction, the iO-Core™ procedure targets the root cause of joint pain. Recent research indicates that in many cases pain caused by advanced stages of arthritis can be attributed to cartilage defects and bone marrow lesions that damage the underlying bone. Bone marrow lesions are an overlooked problem* in the diagnosis and clinical treatment of arthritis, because many physicians fail to identify and treat bone marrow lesions/edemas leaving patients with unresolved pain, discomfort and loss of movement and mobility.  iO-Core™ provider clinics work to identify and treat the underlying conditions that cause joint pain. 

The iO-Core™ procedure is designed to create the optimum healing environment in the body and address arthritic pain from the inside out using a patient’s own cells. During the process, high-quality autologous biologic material is introduced into the body to promote and accelerate healing of degenerating cartilage and underlying bone damage. Additionally, damaged bone is decompressed to relieve pain and pressure and a small bone graft is placed to promote the re-growth of healthy bone in the area.

iO-Core™ provider clinics work to identify and address one of the underlying sources of joint pain in a comprehensive manner.  iO-Core™ is minimally invasive and performed as an outpatient procedure. All procedures are performed by a board-certified medical doctor who is trained in the iO-Core™ treatment technique.

What Is the Science Behind of the iO-Core™ Procedure?

Traditionally, arthritis is considered to be a “surface problem” because it causes progressive degeneration of the surface layer of cartilage that protects joints. 

But new research* and studies have revealed that arthritis is a systemic degenerative process that likely follows this path:   

• Bone pathologies like bone marrow lesions and osteonecrosis may develop as a result of  acute or chronic injury to a joint. Swelling and reduced blood flow reaching the bone may cause progressive damage, severe pain and disability.             
• These pathologic conditions tend to progress rapidly for the majority of patients who develop bone marrow lesions and osteonecrosis. Over time, cartilage degradation and loss occurs.

• Left untreated, bone pathologies like bone marrow lesions and osteonecrosis leave patients with limited options, such as undergoing invasive joint replacement surgery to help reduce pain and restore joint mobility.

Arthritis involves degeneration of surface cartilage along with degeneration of the underlying bone and connective tissue. Therefore, methods that only treat the surface loss of cartilage will not likely stop the progression of disease as the underlying bone continues to weaken and degenerate. Patients will likely continue to suffer from severe pain and declining movement and mobility.

However, a treatment method like iO-Core™ that addresses both the surface loss of cartilage and underlying bone damage may help patients reduce pain, regain mobility and may prevent further progression without the need to undergo a potential invasive surgery.

How Does the iO-Core™ Procedure Work?

During the iO-Core™ procedure, a board-certified surgeon will perform the following steps to treat damaged, unhealthy bone that’s causing joint pain. 

1. A percutaneous intact bone graft is completed. A small needle extracts a healthy piece of bone, which is then placed into the area of dying, unhealthy bone (bone marrow lesion). The patient’s healthy bone graft and bone allograft assists in structural support, along with re-growing and healing the damaged bone.                                                      
2. Continuous X-ray imaging (fluoroscopic imaging) is used to identify the exact location of the bone marrow lesion. Then a core decompression is performed by advancing an instrument into the damaged bone around the affected joint. Decompression relieves built-up pressure caused by bone marrow lesions.                                                                                                                                                      
3. Bone marrow aspirate is injected into the damaged bone and within the joint space. The aspirate is rich in growth factors, stem cells and progenitor cells that provide additional healing factors to damaged areas of the joint. A bone marrow injection helps with revascularization and it sends a signal to the body to begin repairing the damaged bone and cartilage.