Treatment with growth factors

THAT IS?

Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) is obtained from the extraction and centrifugation of blood from the same patient. Later, adding calcium chloride activates the secretion of growth factors by the α granules (contained inside the platelets).

Treatment with growth factors has been shown to stimulate local tissue repair mainly through the following mechanisms:

It stimulates the secretion and proliferation of mesenchymal cells (Fibroblasts, tenoviocytes, osteoblasts, chondrocytes and pluripotential stem cells)

• Promotes vascular permeability
• It stimulates the secretion of collagen in the tenoviocyte
• Reduction of IL-1β (pro-inflammatory interleukin)

INDICATIONS WITH PROVEN CLINICAL EVIDENCE

CHRONIC TENDINOPATHIES (1 injection):

• Elbow epicondylitis/epitrochleitis
• Achilles tendinitis
• Patella tendinitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Tendinosis of the rotator cuff (2-3 separate injections x 1 month)

TENDINOUS, MUSCULAR AND LIGAMENT RUPTURES (1 injection)

• acute
• Chronicles

KNEE AND HIP ARTHRITIS RESISTANT TO CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT

• (2-3 separate injections x 1 month)

IS IT A SAFE TECHNIQUE?

There are no known incompatibilities or risks of rejection as the serum comes from the same patient.

De La Mata J. Plasma rich in platelets: a new treatment for the rheumatologist? Clinical Rheumatology. 2013; 3:166-171.

Laudy AB, Bakker EW, Rekers M, Moen MH. Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma injections in osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2015 May;49(10):657-672

Sánchez M, Fiz N, Azofra J, Usabiaga J, Aduriz Recalde E, Garcia Gutierrez A, Albillos J, Gárate R, Aguirre JJ, Padilla S, Orive G, Anitua E. A randomized clinical trial evaluating plasma rich in growth factors versus hyaluronic acid in the short-term treatment of symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Arthroscopy. 2012 Aug;28(8):1070-8.

Hammond JW, Hinton RY, Curl LA, Muriel JM, Lovering RM. Use of autologous platelet-rich plasma to treat muscle strain injuries. Am J Sports Med. 2009 Jun;37(6):1135-42