Autologous conditioned plasma (ACP)
The abbreviation ACP stands for Autologous Conditioned Plasma. This refers to plasma derived from the patient's own blood and specially processed, with a high concentration of platelets. These platelets contain important growth factors that play a central role in tissue healing and regeneration processes. Because the treatment uses only the patient's own components, it is a biological and generally very well-tolerated procedure.
Effect and goal of the treatment
The effect of ACP therapy is based on the natural properties of growth factors released from blood platelets and contained in the plasma. After injection into the affected area, these growth factors support the regeneration of damaged tissue while simultaneously inhibiting painful inflammatory processes.
The aim of the treatment is therefore to alleviate pain, promote healing processes and improve the function of the affected tissue.
Procedure of ACP therapy
The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and usually takes about 30 minutes. Blood is drawn immediately before the injection, right on site. Fasting is not required for this. However, it is recommended to avoid very fatty foods and drink plenty of water for about three days before the treatment. After the blood is drawn, it is processed in a special centrifuge so that the platelet-rich plasma can be separated from the rest of the blood and concentrated. This processed plasma is then injected directly into the affected area of the body without any further additives. Thanks to the closed processing system of Arthrex, the treatment is performed under sterile conditions, thus minimizing the risk of infection.
In our practice, we also use ACP injections specifically to support healing after refixations in combination with Tisseel, in order to further promote regenerative processes.
ACP therapy is usually administered in several sessions. Depending on the symptoms, 2 to 4 injections at weekly intervals are generally recommended. The effect often does not occur immediately, but develops gradually over several weeks.
After treatment, the affected area should be rested for one to two days, and strenuous activity should be avoided initially. Gentle, appropriate exercise is then usually advisable. ACP therapy can also be effectively combined with other treatments, such as physiotherapy or therapy following ACS treatment.
Another advantage of ACP therapy is that it not only aims at short-term symptom relief, but can actively support the body's own regeneration processes.
Application areas
ACP therapy is primarily used for joint problems, osteoarthritis, sports injuries, and tendon, muscle, and ligament injuries. It can also be used as a supportive treatment for certain types of back pain, such as irritation of the intervertebral discs, degenerative changes of the spine, or irritation of small facet joints. Typical applications include osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, fingers, ankle, and spine, as well as meniscus tears, Achilles tendon problems, tennis or golfer's elbow, runner's or jumper's knee, heel spurs, and muscle injuries.
Growth factors & components of ACP
ACP primarily contains platelets (thrombocytes), which release numerous growth factors upon activation:
Included growth factors (ACP):
- PDGF
- TGF-β
- VEGF
- EGF
- IGF-1
- FGF
In short: ACP = Focus on regeneration & tissue building
Difference between ACP and ACS
The main difference between ACS and ACP lies in their composition and target effect:
ACS primarily contains anti-inflammatory messenger substances such as the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), which specifically blocks pro-inflammatory processes – and is therefore frequently used for inflammatory conditions, e.g., osteoarthritis or irritation of the spine.
ACP, on the other hand, is rich in platelets that release growth factors, thereby promoting tissue healing and regeneration – typically in cases of tendon and muscle injuries or after surgical procedures. In our practice, we also use both methods specifically after meniscus or tendon repairs to biologically support the healing process and optimally promote regeneration.
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