Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and it consists of three amino acids of glycine, lysine and proline formed in triple helix. It is one of the most important building blocks of bone, joints, skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments and accounts for 25-30% of all proteins in the body. It can be considered as the "glue" that holds all cells together. In fact, the word comes from the Greek word ‘kolla’ which means glue.

Articular cartilage contains at least five genetically different types of collagen. Types II, IX, and XI are cartilage-specific and are cross-linked together in a copolymeric network that forms the extracellular framework of the tissue. Fibrils of type II collagen provide the basic architecture.

In recent years, the intra-articular use of collagen to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis has been expanded worldwide with studies providing encouraging results. It is known that osteoarthritis in its chronic form is a condition characterized by the disruption of the cartilage of the joint causing stiffness, pain and loss of movement.

The purpose of intra-articular collagen therapy is to preserve the structure of the articular cartilage as well as the periarticular structures such as ligaments, joints and tendons. Maintaining normal structures helps to balance the forces exerted on the joint which are essential for its health.

It also improves the viscoelastic properties of the synovial fluid by supplying the physiological function of collagen fibers, the intercellular matrix proteoglycans, thereby maintaining the excellent functions of the articular cartilage.

Intraarticular therapy with collagen is administered in the private office and does not require restriction of activities afterwards. New studies highlight the combined intraarticular use of collagen with hyaluronic acid and demonstrate the most effective and long-lasting action on arthritis symptoms, such as pain, stiffness of the joint and range of motion.

The treatment plan which applied depend on the severity of the arthritis and the clinical condition of each patient individually.