Jelly to renew knee joints

April 27, 2021

AN INJECTION of jelly could help treat worn-out joints.

Scientists hope the jab, using jelly found in donated human umbilical cords that would otherwise be discarded after birth, will stimulate the growth of cushioning cartilage once injected into the knees of patients with osteoarthritis.

Tests on animals suggest the jelly — called Wharton’s jelly — may reverse damage to joints caused by the condition.

Around nine million people in the UK have osteoarthritis, where cartilage breaks down, meaning bones rub together.

For the new trial, running in U.S. hospitals, the jelly will be injected into the knees of patients.