What is BioniCare?
BioniCare is a non-invasive, non-drug treatment option for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of the hand. The BioniCare system provides an electrical signal that stimulates the joint tissue to reduce the pain and symptoms of arthritis and helps maintain the health of the knee joint and improve the function of the hand. The arthritic joint has a diminished electrical signal which likely contributes to the deterioration of the joint. BioniCare is the first and only patented proprietary signal and system demonstrated to be safe and effective in multiple clinical studies.
Unlike all others
BioniCare’s patented signal was designed specifically for the treatment of pain and symptoms of knee OA and Hand RA. It is not to be confused with other stimulators, including a TENS device, that only provides temporary pain relief by blocking pain signals. The stimulation is subsensory—the patient does not feel the stimulation. It treats the underlying cause of the disease by stimulating the joint tissue and improving the overall health of the joint. It provides a slow-acting, but longer-lasting improvement in symptoms. The BioniCare system is clinically proven to improve the osteoarthritic knee, reduce pain and symptoms, and improve function in the rheumatoid hand.
The BioniCare Knee System
The BioniCare Knee System consists of
Unloading Brace
A knee brace that unloads the affected compartment, relieving pressure and pain, using a 3-point leverage system. The OActive knee brace and the Catalyst-Propel OA knee brace provide immediate pain relief by unloading the affected compartment.
Signal Generator
The BIO-2000 device delivers the electrical signal that relieves the pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis and provides for overall improvement of the knee over time. The BIO-2000 device attaches to the patient via electrodes that are worn under the knee brace and a lead wire.
Night-Wrap
The Night-Wrap can be worn while sleeping to extend the number of hours BioniCare is worn and achieve symptom relief and return to activities more rapidly.
Is it right for you?
Osteoarthritis of the knee
BioniCare is a non-invasive, non-drug alternative for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. It treats the underlying cause of the disease by stimulating the joint tissue and improving the overall health of the joint. It does not affect the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys or liver and does not carry the risk of infection. Patients using BioniCare report decreased pain, decreased joint stiffness, improved range of motion and often reduce their NSAID intake. BioniCare is a long-term solution for a degenerative (long-term) disease. After 2250 hours of use, the effect of the device is the same as a total knee replacement, without the risks of surgery. The only risk of the BioniCare device is a possible skin irritation from the use of the electrodes.
Additionally, since the BioniCare device is integrated into the OActive “unloader” brace, the brace will reduce the impact of weight bearing and reduce the patient’s pain. This helps get the patient back to activities of daily living and potentially enables them to participate in an exercise program with minimal discomfort. The brace provides an immediate benefit while the BioniCare provides a slower-acting, longer-lasting effect. The combination of these two products offers maximum benefit with minimal risk.
BioniCare
NON-INVASIVE ALTERNATIVE TO TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY.
This treatment involves almost no risk and has been clinically proven to reduce the pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis. Studies show that BioniCare provides the same benefits as a total knee replacement without the risk of surgery. In an ongoing clinical study, it has been shown that when worn with a brace, patients who wore the BioniCare Knee System for an average of about 500 hours and 3 months had effects equal to a total knee replacement for pain and symptoms and Physician’s Global Score (a measure of disease severity). When worn without a brace (in a Night-Wrap), patients required an average of 2250 hours and 11-12 months to achieve effects equal to a total knee replacement.
vs. The Alternatives
Total Knee Replacement
Total Knee Replacement (AKA Total Knee Arthroplasty, TKA)
In this surgical procedure, the end of the femur (thigh bone) and the top of the lower leg are replaced with plastic and metal components and an artificial joint is created. Since the surfaces that were previously rubbing on each other have now been replaced and realigned, this reduces the patient’s pain. Full range of motion after this surgery may not be possible, but the reduced pain and ability to participate in daily activities is greatly enhanced for most patients. The main risk of this alternative is that it is a surgical procedure done under anesthesia, which carries risks for patients such as pulmonary embolism, infection, deep vein thrombosis, heart attack and stroke. These risks are higher for patients with previous medical conditions. Additionally, depending on wear and tear, the prosthesis may need to be resurfaced at a later date (revision surgery). Rehabilitation time to restore function can take as long as 1 year.
Drugs and Injections
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often the first line of defense for osteoarthritis patients in the beginning stages of the disease. Common examples include Aleve®, Advil® and aspirin. These drugs reduce the inflammation in the joint caused by the rubbing of the surfaces in the knee. This reduction in inflammation will reduce pain. The main disadvantage of treating osteoarthritis with NSAIDs is the risk of gastrointestinal irritation / damage or other complications. The drugs treat the symptoms of the disease, rather than the cause and thus, are taken for long periods of time without affecting the underlying condition. This increases the risk of stomach, intestinal, liver or kidney issues.
Physical Therapy and Exercise
Exercise is the number one recommended “treatment” for osteoarthritis. Even though it may seem like exercise would cause more “wear and tear” and exacerbate symptoms, it is actually recommended by more organizations, such as the Arthritis Foundation, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and most major clinical guidelines in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Exercise increases blood flow to the joints, gets muscles moving, strengthens bones and increases the heart rate, improving cardiovascular fitness. Additionally, exercise is an important component of any weight loss program. Physical therapy is a structured exercise program, designed by a specialist (a “P.T.”) to specifically target those areas that are contributing to the symptoms