Restorative chemotherapy in degenerative hip disease.

Twenty patients with degenerative joint disease (DJD) of the hip were treated for prolonged periods with an extract of cartilage and bone marrow. Although clinical improvement, lessened joint pain and increased function, occurred in a majority of the patients, the most significant changes were in four who had concomitant x-ray improvement. These patients had roentgenographic evidence of recovery of joint space and regeneration of the femoral head. Discussion is presented of possible mechanisms by which this tissue extract induces changes in chondrocyte metabolism. A theory is proposed to explain DJD as a multifactorial disorder in which liver impairment in processing growth hormone is the key malfunction. Treatment of DJD of the hip by injections of the tissue extract of cartilage and bone marrow is a rational and effective therapy without significant toxicity.