Intra-articular Corticosteroids (IACs) Associated With a Greater Cartilage Loss
The evidence is mounting: repeated corticosteroid injections may be doing more harm than good. If you’re still relying on IACs as your primary osteoarthritis treatment, this research should fundamentally change your approach.
The Damning Research Evidence
A landmark randomized clinical trial published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage tracked patients receiving repeated intra-articular corticosteroids (IACs) over two years. The findings were shocking:
Key Findings:
- Greater cartilage volume loss in corticosteroid-treated knees vs. placebo
- Accelerated joint space narrowing on imaging
- Progressive structural deterioration despite temporary pain relief
- No significant long-term functional benefit compared to placebo
The study’s conclusion was unambiguous: “These findings raise concerns about the safety of repeated intra-articular corticosteroid injections for knee osteoarthritis.”
Patients undergoing repeated IACs were 2X more likely to suffer from worsening of symptoms and loss of function.
Full Study: https://www.oarsijournal.com/article/S1063-4584(19)30033-0/fulltext
The OA Epidemic Tsunami
Osteoarthritis affects more than 33 million Americans, driving a surge in knee-replacement projections and straining patient quality of life. The numbers tell a compelling story:
The Growing Crisis:
- 132% increase in global OA prevalence since 1990
- ≈1 million knee & hip replacements performed annually in the US
- 469-659% projected increase in joint replacement volumes by 2060
- 10,000 Baby Boomers transition into Medicare every day
- 1 in 2 adults will develop symptomatic knee OA by age 85 (2 in 3 if they’re obese)
The demographic tidal wave is here. The question is: Are you prepared with evidence-based solutions?
Introducing the Advanced Arthritis Relief Protocol™ (AARP)
While corticosteroids damage cartilage, the Advanced Arthritis Relief Protocol™ (AARP), developed by Integrative Practice Solutions, Inc, combines fluoroscopically guided hyaluronic-acid injections, proprietary unloading bracing, Medicare-covered home-rehab, and optional high-dose orthobiologics (PRP/PRF) to deliver lasting pain relief and predictable new revenue for forward-thinking clinics.
Component 1: Fluoroscopic-Guided Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injections
- 99% injection accuracy vs. 79% when performed blind
- ≥26-week sustained pain relief with safety profile comparable to saline
- FDA-cleared viscosupplementation that restores rather than destroys cartilage
- Reimbursable: CPT 20610 (joint injection) + 77002 (fluoroscopy)
Component 2: OAide 3000 Unloader Brace
- Reduces knee adduction moment by mechanically unloading the medial compartment
- Systematic reviews confirm significant pain reduction and functional improvement
- Medicare covered: HCPCS L1851/L2397 – billable in-office DME dispensing
Component 3: Home Exercise Program Device
- Significantly reduces KOA pain (SMD -0.32) and improves function
- Medicare covers Static progressive knee stretch (SPS) exercise devices for home use
- HCPCS E1811 rental, no onsite PT staff needed
Component 4: Regenerative Add-Ons (Optional)
- Autologous PRP (3-8× platelets) supplies PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF to stimulate meniscal cartilage regrowth; while PRF can stimulate hyaline cartilage regeneration
- Meta-analyses show PRP outperforms HA or saline for pain and function
- 3D & T2-mapping MRI report measurable cartilage-thickness gains
- Premium revenue opportunity for refractory cases
The Results: A Stark Contract
In a comprehensive study of 384 knee injection programs using the AARP protocol:
- 92.7% of patients achieved ≥50% pain & function improvement
- 99.998% experienced some level of pain relief (383 of 384 patients)
- 76.98% average pain reduction over 8 weeks
- Imaging-verified joint restoration: Post-therapy MRI/X-ray demonstrates joint space widening and cartilage regeneration
- Standardized mean difference (SMD): 6.05 from baseline to completion
Compare this to corticosteroids that actually damage cartilage while providing only temporary relief. The choice is clear!
See the AARP Program in Action
In this overview, you’ll see:
- The demographic and reimbursement tailwinds powering OA demand
- Evidence behind image-guided HA injections and biomechanical unloading
- Real-world outcomes: 92% of knees achieve ≥ 50% pain-and-function improvement
- Complete turn-key package – equipment, training, DME credentialing, marketing & special discounted GPO pricing on medication and consumables
- How Section 179 and ADA tax incentives can offset capital costs
Watch the Capsule Summary:https://vimeo.com/1092587689
Fully Reimbursable & Profitable
Unlike experimental treatments, the AARP protocol leverages established Medicare and insurance reimbursements:
Revenue Opportunities:
- CPT 20610 + 77002: Fluoroscopic-guided injection procedures
- HCPCS L1851/L2397: Unloader brace fitting and dispensing
- HCPCS E1811: Home exercise program device rental
- Optional cash/policy-guided biologics for premium outcomes
- Average case revenue: >$11K+ from braces & HA alone
Schedule Your Risk-Free, Private 1-on-1 Webinar
Quick Form (30 seconds): https://integrativepracticesolutions.com/private-webinar-ips/
Direct Calendar Booking: https://ipswebinar.as.me/schedule.php
During this no-obligation session, ⚕️ Lance Liberti, MBA, BCPA will:
- Walk through the clinical workflow step-by-step
- Provide custom pro-forma revenue projections for your payer mix
- Answer operational and regulatory questions in real time
- Review real case studies, imaging pearls, and reimbursement proofs
- Demonstrate the complete turn-key solution – from equipment to marketing
Seats are limited to maintain regional exclusivity- reserve yours today!
About Integrative Practice Solutions (IPS)
IPS equips medical practices with evidence-based, turnkey programs that expand clinical capabilities while unlocking new reimbursements. With hundreds of successful implementations nationwide and compelling patient and provider testimonials, IPS has established itself as the leader in practice-enhancement solutions.
Learn more: https://integrativepracticesolutions.com/
Don’t let your osteoarthritis patients suffer with outdated treatments that may cause more harm than good. Give them the evidence-based, cartilage-preserving solution they deserve!
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Clinical adoption should follow all applicable federal, state, and payer guidelines.
