Does device offer hope to world’s arthritis sufferers?

HOPE has emerged for millions of arthritis sufferers after a North grandad became one of the first in Britain to receive pioneering treatment for the agonising condition.

For Hugh Malone, everyday tasks such as using a computer or picking up a cup of tea had become difficult because of the rheumatoid arthritis in his hands.

The 56-year-old, from Consett, in County Durham, has suffered from the debilitating condition since a knee operation went wrong 10 years ago. However, he managed to control the pain in his knees and feet through medication.

This helped to slightly reduce the symptoms, which also included swelling and stiffness, enabling him to live a fairly active life, and even continue to play five-a-side football.

Mr Malone turned to a regenerative treatment, pioneered by sports and orthopaedic consultant Dr Ralph Rogers, after the rheumatoid arthritis spread to the joints in his hands, which became so painful he was finding it difficult to have a restful night’s sleep.

He was advised by his rheumatologist to take more drugs to help combat the unbearable pain, but he felt there must be a better alternative.

The businessman, who has two daughters and three grandchildren, said: “I did some research as I felt there had to be something else out there. I did not want to have to be reliant on a cocktail of drugs to alleviate the joint pain, swelling and stiffness in my hands.

“Dr Rogers and his pioneering treatment stood out so I made arrangements to have a consultation with him.

“I made the trip with my wife Yvonne, who runs a mobility business, and I am so glad I did – everything was explained to me very clearly and in great detail.

“After checking that my rheumatologist was happy for me to have the treatment, I returned to Dr Rogers’ clinic and underwent the procedure. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

“I was out of the clinic within a few hours and now, six weeks later, my hands have improved considerably.”

Mr Malone says he cannot recom- Hugh, pictured with wife Yvonne, underwent pioneering treatment to alleviate pain from rheumatoid arthritis mend the treatment highly enough. He had Lipogems therapy – a cutting-edge technology that harnesses the natural and powerful reparative capability of the patient’s adipose tissue reserves.

It involves extracting a small amount of fat from the midsection, or love-handles. Then a gentle washing in a closedsystem device micro-fragments the fat, preserving its natural and beneficial properties. This is then injected using a small gauge needle into the specific area requiring treatment, for example the knee or hand joints.

Mr Malone added: “I still have a small amount of pain, but I would say my hands are around 80% better, which is fantastic, and it is expected that in a few weeks’ time I will have improved even further.

“I can only describe the transformation in my hands as brilliant. I was in Spain recently and I was able to play golf twice – something I could not have contemplated just a few weeks ago.”

Dr Rogers, who has a clinic in Harley Street, London, said: “This regenerative treatment allows people who have been living with joint problems to return to an active lifestyle in a short space of time. I am passionate about natural healing and regenerative treatments, and Hugh is proof of how lifechanging they can be.

“It is very satisfying to see patients, whose day-to-day dexterity or mobility has been hugely restricted due to intolerable pain, once again being able to carry out tasks and activities that other people are able to do without a second thought.”

The device was invented in Italy by plastic surgeon Professor Carlo Tremolada, who was looking for a way to optimise fat for reconstructive applications.