Our experts in molecular therapy at Shri Sai Hospital Lokapur specializing in ozone therapy, We focus on its scientifically-supported applications in musculoskeletal disorders and spinal conditions, particularly osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, spinal disc diseases, and herniated discs. Ozone therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that leverages ozone’s unique biological properties, including its potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and regenerative effects.

Benefits of Ozone Therapy in Musculoskeletal Disorders and Spine Conditions

1. Osteoarthritis of the Knee:

   • Ozone therapy reduces inflammation by modulating the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β, TNF-α) and stimulating antioxidant defense systems.
   • It enhances cartilage repair by improving oxygen delivery and promoting the proliferation of chondrocytes.
   • Clinical studies have shown improvements in pain relief and joint mobility, comparable to corticosteroid injections but with fewer side effects.

2. Spinal Disc Diseases and Herniated Discs:

   • Ozone reduces the size of herniated disc material by oxidizing proteoglycans, the hydrophilic components of the nucleus pulposus.
   • It alleviates nerve compression by decreasing local edema and inflammation around the affected nerve root.
   • Ozone’s neuroprotective properties help reduce radicular pain and improve functional outcomes.

3. Ozone Therapy in Avascular Necrosis (AVN) of the Hip

   Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip is a debilitating condition characterized by the death of bone tissue due to insufficient blood supply, leading to pain, joint dysfunction, and eventual collapse of the femoral head. Ozone therapy has emerged as a promising minimally invasive treatment for AVN, particularly in the early stages, offering pain relief, improved mobility, and delayed disease progression.

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   Mechanism of Action of Ozone Therapy in AVN

   1. Improved Oxygenation and Blood Flow:

      • Ozone increases oxygen delivery to ischemic bone tissue by improving red blood cell deformability and enhancing tissue oxygenation.
      • It promotes neoangiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), which can restore blood supply to the affected femoral head.

   2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects:

      • By reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β), ozone mitigates inflammation in the surrounding bone and soft tissues.
      • This decreases pain and swelling, allowing for better joint function.

   3. Bone Regeneration and Repair:

      • Ozone stimulates the proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts, promoting bone remodeling and repair.
      • It also enhances the removal of necrotic bone tissue by activating osteoclasts and accelerating the healing process.

   4. Analgesic Properties:

      • By modulating nociceptors and reducing local acidosis, ozone provides significant pain relief, particularly in patients with AVN-related joint discomfort.

Modalities of Ozone Therapy

1. Intra-Articular Ozone Injections:

   • In this modality, medical ozone is directly injected into the affected joint space (e.g., knee joint).
   • Mechanism of Action:
     • Local anti-inflammatory effects reduce synovial membrane inflammation.
     • Improves synovial fluid viscosity and promotes joint lubrication.
   • Efficacy:
     • Demonstrated reduction in pain and stiffness, with improvement in joint functionality, especially in early to moderate OA.

2. Major Auto-Haemotherapy (MAH):

   • Involves drawing a patient’s blood, mixing it with ozone, and reinfusing it intravenously.
   • Mechanism of Action:
     • Enhances systemic oxygen utilization and boosts the body’s antioxidant capacity.
     • Stimulates the release of growth factors and improves systemic circulation.
   • Efficacy:
     • Particularly beneficial for systemic inflammatory conditions or when musculoskeletal pain is widespread.

3. Minor Auto-Haemotherapy (mAH):

   • A small volume of blood is mixed with ozone and reinjected intramuscularly.
   • Mechanism of Action:
     • Acts as an immunomodulator by triggering localized immune responses and stimulating systemic anti-inflammatory pathways.
   • Efficacy:
     • Used as an adjunctive therapy for chronic pain or autoimmune-related musculoskeletal disorders.

4. Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation (EBOO):

   • A more advanced procedure where blood is passed through an extracorporeal circuit, ozonated, and reinfused.
   • Mechanism of Action:
     • Provides profound detoxification effects, enhances oxygenation of tissues, and significantly boosts systemic immune responses.
   • Efficacy:
     • Highly effective in conditions with systemic inflammation and for patients with multiple comorbidities, such as metabolic syndrome or poor circulation.

5. Paravertebral Ozone Injection

   Paravertebral ozone injection is a minimally invasive treatment modality used for spinal disc diseases (e.g., herniated discs) and avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip. It involves injecting medical-grade ozone near the spinal nerve roots or paravertebral muscles to deliver therapeutic effects.

Conclusion

Ozone therapy offers a safe, non-surgical alternative for managing a variety of musculoskeletal and spinal conditions. Its multifaceted mechanisms—reducing inflammation, modulating immune responses, enhancing oxygenation, and promoting tissue repair—make it a versatile tool in regenerative medicine. By tailoring the therapy modality to individual patient needs, it is possible to achieve significant improvements in pain, function, and overall quality of life.