What Is A2M And What Is The Data For A2M In Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is common problem causing joint disease. The cause of osteoarthritis is complicated, but increases in inflammatory enzymes and cytokines have been correlated with joint damage in early osteoarthritis (He et al, 2020; Attur et al, 2015). These inflammatory markers have become a target of potential therapies.
WHAT IS ALPHA-2-MACROGLOBULIN OR A2M?
Alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M), a naturally occurring molecule that is found in the blood serum. Previous studies have demonstrated A2M can bind to and neutralized these destructive catabolic enzymes (Crookston et al, 1994; Feige et al, 1996; Dzhugashvili et al, 2014; Demirag et al, 2004; Demirag et al, 2005). By neutralizing these destructive enzymes, it is thought that A2M may affect the breakdown of cartilage (LaMarre et al, 1991; Santos et al, 2016).
WHAT IS THE PROPOSED MECHANISM FOR A2M INJECTIONS IN OSTEOARTHRITIS?
The overall mechanism of how A2M works remains unclear. In osteoarthritis, various inflammatory enzymes and cytokines have been correlated with joint damage after a joint injury (Attur et al, 2015; Anderson et al, 2011; Backus et al, 2011; Borrelli et al, 2003; Tochigi et al, 2011).
A2M is thought to inhibit the majority of these destructive catabolic enzymes and cytokines that cause inflammation and degrade cartilage (Claassen et al, 2011; Wang et al, 2014). In vitro and pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that by neutralizing these destructive enzymes, A2M has a broad ability to block catabolic cytokines and enzymes (Wollenberg et al, 1991; Borth et al, 1990) and may reduce catabolism‐associated cartilage damage (Wang et al, 2014; Mathew et al, 2015; Wang et al, 2014; Zhang et al, 2017).
What are the benefits?
- There is very little risk to the patient, since we use the patient’s own blood
- Same day procedure with minimal down time
- Near pain free procedure
- Quick blood draw in the office VS surgery in a hospital
- The entire process takes about 15-20 minutes
What are the success rates?
We have performed thousands of A2M injections over the years and 80-90% of our patients are seeing reductions in pain for arthritis, injuries, and chronic pain. In some cases even complete pain relief.
Am I a good candidate ?
Most patients are good candidates for A2M, unless they have bleeding disorders or active cancers. We also do not perform A2M for neurological disorders or for spinal/neck conditions.
What is the recovery?
Patients should take 1 week off from exercise after injections, but can resume work the same day (unless they have a very active job). There is no bedrest needed, and patients can drive home from the procedure themselves.
Why choose Dr. Kanaan ?
See why Dr. Kanaan is the expert in A2M and how he can help you receive relief from your orthopedic conditions.
- Duke fellowship-trained nonsurgical orthopedic specialist.
- Dr. Kanaan has performed thousands of PRP/A2M injections over the last 10+ years
- Every time you visit our office you will meet with Dr. Kanaan.
- All injection procedures are performed by Dr. Kanaan under ultrasound guidance, for improved accuracy.
- Wake Nonsurgical Ortho is the Research Triangle’s first private practice solely dedicated to Nonsurgical orthopedics
What is the cost?
Call for current price
*Insurance does not currently cover A2M , despite a growing body of evidence in support of this procedure. We take many payment options.
What areas can be treated?
PRP injections can be performed in arthritic joints, injured muscles, tendons, and ligaments all over the body. This list DOES NOT include every body part. We have injected almost every part of the body with A2M safely.
How does A2M differ from stem cell therapy?
Most studies support that A2M can be just as effective as a stem cell injection for pain relief. Therefore, in most cases we advise trying a A2M injection first.
If you have joint pain, or an injury and traditional methods have not provided relief, then A2M therapy may be the solution.
Schedule an Appointment for A2M Therapy
Duke fellowship-trained nonsurgical orthopedic specialist, Dr. Matthew Kanaan, specializes in performing PRP therapy for patients in Raleigh, Durham and Cary, NC. A2M therapy is a highly effective way to provide long term relief to chronic orthopedic pain. Dr. Kanaan will take the time to diagnose your symptoms and discover if PRP therapy is right for you. Call our office at (919) 719-2270 for more information about PRP therapy or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kanaan.