Technology

Painless, Non-surgical Treatment for Osteoarthritis Introduced

This device focuses RFQMR beams on the affected joint

Bangalore-based SBF Healthcare Private Limited recently introduced the first painless, non-surgical treatment for osteoarthritis—the Rotational Field Quantum Magnetic Resonance (RFQMR) technology. The procedure involves the use of a computer-controlled device called 'Cytotron'. The RFQMR technology has been invented by Dr R Vijay Kumar, Chief Scientific Officer, CARD, Bangalore.

This device focuses RFQMR beams on the affected joint. The beams alter the dynamics of the cell to activate and regenerate. This leads to stimulation of cartilage growth in case of degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis. The process of regeneration of tissues enhances mobility and improves the quality of life. The treatment is painless, safe and scientifically proven through successful clinical trials involving more than 500 cases over the span of three years.

Wg Cdr (Dr) VG Vasistha, Founder and CEO, SBF Healthcare, says, "The clinical trials for arthritis were initiated at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), Bangalore three years ago and the phase two trial were completed in 2006 and over 500 cases of arthritis have been treated successfully. This is the first time in the world that cartilage has been successfully regenerated and represents a break-through in treatment of osteoarthritis." The treatment for osteoarthritis cases includes up to one hour exposure to the RF beams everyday for three weeks. While an improvement of the knee score of 25 after conventional knee surgery is considered a success, Dr Vasistha's team has recorded a knee score of 40 and above in patients they treated. The RFQMR technology uses radio frequency beams which are harmless and are well below the limits certified as safe for human use by the International Commission for Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). SBF has centers in Bangalore, Mumbai and will expand in other major cities like Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata and Pune over the next one or two years.

EH News Bureau