讀後心得

64-year-old Mr. Li sought medical attention due to knee instability and pain. Examination revealed fluid accumulation in the knee, along with mild degeneration and ligament damage. The doctor pointed out that a torn cruciate ligament is a common knee joint injury that requires the stabilizing muscles of the leg to support the knee; long-term neglect will accelerate degeneration. If traditional treatments are ineffective, regenerative therapies, such as high-concentration glucose solution or PRP, may be considered. These treatments are safe and promote healing. The doctor advised that if knee pain lasts more than two weeks without improvement, one should seek medical attention promptly to avoid worsening the condition.

Mr. Li, 64 years old, has instability in his left knee, often accompanied by pain. Recently, due to swelling and pain in his knee recurring, he visited the rehabilitation department at the hospital. An ultrasound examination showed severe knee effusion, and after aspirating 50cc of joint fluid, X-rays and MRI revealed not only mild degeneration and partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament but also injuries to the meniscus and collateral ligaments.

Cross ligament tears or ruptures are common knee joint injuries. According to foreign studies, at least 200,000 people undergo surgical treatment each year due to anterior cruciate ligament rupture. If the cross ligament is damaged, the leg muscles need to take on the important role of providing stability, making the knee prone to soreness. Long-term instability may accelerate joint wear and degeneration, and the presence of effusion can accompany difficulties in movement, limited bending, and noticeable swelling, with symptoms of redness, swelling, heat, and pain during the acute phase.

If knee swelling and pain persist for more than two weeks without improvement, one may consider receiving prolotherapy. Routine examinations include ultrasound, X-rays, and MRI. If soft tissue damage is confirmed, traditional treatment methods mainly involve anti-inflammatory pain relief medications and physical therapy, along with exercise training to strengthen thigh muscles for knee stability. For more severe sprains or tears that do not improve after two weeks of treatment, prolotherapy may be considered, commonly using high-concentration glucose solution and PRP.

The high-concentration glucose solution does not contain growth factors. The goal is to change the osmolarity of the tissue fluid at the injection site, promoting the concentration of autologous growth factors and cells to the injury site for repair, with effects varying according to individual differences. PRP involves drawing about 10cc of autologous blood, separating the platelets, and injecting them into the injury site to directly promote cell proliferation, cartilage repair, and angiogenesis through its growth factors. Since it is made from autologous blood, PRP is relatively safe and widely used for repairing joints, tendons, and ligaments. However, it is not suitable for those with chronic diseases affecting blood or those currently taking antiplatelet medications.

In terms of treatment, injections are typically administered every 2 to 6 weeks, and depending on the condition, 3 to 4 injections may be required. After the injection, the area may feel sore and swollen, so continuous rehabilitation and follow-up visits are necessary, along with maintaining good nutrition, protein, and hydration while ensuring sufficient sleep to achieve good treatment outcomes.

Experts remind us that the human body has compensatory mechanisms. After an injury, one might be temporarily unable to walk, but can walk again after rest. This situation is often overlooked, and many people fail to seek timely treatment, leading to worsening conditions or premature degeneration of the knee joint. It is recommended that individuals with knee pain persisting for more than two weeks seek medical attention promptly to prevent worsening of the condition.