What Are Blood-derived Growth Factors
Blood-Derived Growth Factor Therapy helps heal damaged cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscle, and/or bone. We use a centrifuge to spin your blood and separate the plasma from red blood cells which is injected into various areas of the body to promote healing
We can inject blood-derived growth factors into joints or soft tissue to accelerate healing by regenerating new tissue growth. The goal of Blood-Derived Growth Factor Therapy is to reduce pain, improve joint function, and slow, halt, or repair damage to cartilage.
Platelets provide essential growth factors and other proteins that regulate cell division, stimulate tissue regeneration, and promote healing. When Blood-Derived Growth Factors are used in joints, it can slow down or reverse degeneration from osteoarthritis.
Blood-Derived Growth Factors can be used for acute injuries or chronic joint pain. It can also be done after surgery to reduce scar tissue and accelerate healing.
How Do We Use Blood-Derived Growth Factor Therapy?
Blood-Derived Growth Factor injection procedure is done outpatient and can take 30-60 minutes. A patient’s blood is drawn, spun down, and the platelets are drawn up in a syringe for injection. Ultrasound guidance is used for the injection to ensure the blood-derived growth factors are injected into the joint capsule and ensuring avoidance of any vessels near the site of injury.
How Many Injections Do I Need?
This depends on the severity of the osteoarthritis or injury. Our goal is for each patient to have only 1 injection in the affected area. This is determined after thorough physical exam and review of history.
Blood-Derived Growth Factor injections are not covered by insurance at this time.
Post-Injection
Patients are advised to take it easy for a few days following the injection. Normal activity as tolerated is recommended. Anti-inflammatory medications should be avoided, as this interferes with the body’s healing response. Minimal injection site pain is to be expected for 1-2 days. Results may be noticed immediately but may take up to 4-6 weeks.
To learn more about Blood-Derived Growth Factor injections, contact us or schedule a free consultation today.
