The therapeutic application of PRGF® (plasma rich in platelet growth factors) in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine has proved to be one of the most effective treatments in cases of osteoarthritis, tendon, ligament and muscle injuries as well as in the healing of fractures and in postoperative recovery.
PRGF® is a regenerative therapy that exploits the effect of platelet-derived growth factors on the tissues. Platelets are the cells present in our blood that release substances – precisely growth factors – which are able to repair human body such as skin, tendons, when they are damaged. The initial degenerative pathology of the knee and hip and tendinopathies can find benefit from the therapeutic use of PRGF®.
PRGF is used more and more often in degenerative pathologies of the articular cartilage. Hyaline cartilage has a low self- repair capacity which, present in all joints, can undergo degenerative or traumatic injuries.
Recent studies show that the efficacy of PRGF® is better and has a longer lasting effect than infiltration with hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids and it also works in patients, young sportsmen, with acute/chronic tendinopathies and muscle injuries.
The production of PRGF®, with an automated closed system, takes place in a dedicated space in our clinic. It is a separation and concentration system that eliminates the risk of microbial contamination and allows a standardization of the process.
This is the process:
• venous sampling performed a few minutes before the infiltration
• centrifugation of the blood sample
• separation of the cellular components using an electromedical device
• elimination of platelet-poor plasma and recovery of PRGF®
• immediate infusion of PRGF® according to medical indications
In orthopedics, PRGF® is used infiltratively, through an intra-articular infiltration in the treatment of cartilage pathologies and through peri-tendon/intra-lesional injections for the treatment of tendinosis/tendinitis, especially of the Achilles tendon and the patellar tendon.
The patient recruited for the treatment of PRGF® in orthopedics must have performed a blood count test (no more “old” than 3 months), in which the platelet count must be ≥150×103/µl. They are excluded from the treatment of prp in orthopedics Patients with thrombocytopenia, hematological diseases, liver diseases, infectious diseases, neoplasms, patients on anticoagulant therapy.
Four formulations in one product for traumatology
PRGF® liquid
Being a liquid formulation, it facilitates tissue infiltration.
Activated liquid formulation which after tissue infiltration is polymerized into a fibrin matrix which allows for the balanced and progressive release of a large number of molecules, including growth factors and other proteins.
This formulation is used in non-surgical conservative treatments, such as:
• mild or moderate osteoarthritis
• muscle pathology
• tendinopathy
• ligament pathology
It can also be used in combination with the other formulations in surgery.
PRGF® Clot
The growth factor-rich plasma clot is a fibrin matrix that polymerizes after controlled activation with calcium.
In combination with other formulations in surgical treatments, it promotes tissue regeneration and acts as an excellent system for the balanced and progressive delivery of a large number of molecules, including growth factors and other proteins. Formulations of PRGF® with autologous fibrin are used in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine for the treatment of:
• tendon ruptures
• ACL reconstruction
• bone fractures
• chondral lesions
PRGF® graft
Plasma graft rich in growth factors and biomaterials is used in surgical interventions where it is necessary to promote osteosynthesis:
• the mixture of plasma with biomaterial (autologous bone, demineralised bone matrix, autologous cartilage…) allows to obtain osteogenic grafts of easy transport and manipulation, to reconstruct bony and chondral defects
• the plasma graft rich in growth factors can also be used, as a “Carrier” of a heterologous graft, to facilitate its insertion and avoid dispersion through the area of the defect.
PRGF® Rich Plasma Fibrin Membrane
The autologous fibrin membrane has elastic and plastic properties. It is strong, suturable, easy to handle and fully resorbable. It is used to close surgeries, as a containment of combined clots and grafts, and to avoid adhesions.
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