Autologous conditioned serum (ACS)

Autologous conditioned serum (ACS) is a special serum derived from the patient's own blood. Through a specific processing procedure, the serum is enriched with anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. As a result, ACS contains a significantly higher concentration of anti-inflammatory substances and various growth factors than conventional serum derived from whole blood.

Effect

The effects of ACS therapy are based on natural biological processes in the body. An important component of the serum is interleukin-1 receptor antagonists (IL-1Ra). These can block pro-inflammatory messenger substances, thus helping to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Furthermore, the growth factors it contains can support the regeneration of tissues such as cartilage, tendons, and muscles. Many patients report a noticeable improvement, especially in cases of chronic conditions.

Initial effects often become apparent after a few weeks. The full effect usually develops after several injections over a longer period. Depending on the individual's initial situation, the effect can last from several months to over a year.

Procedure of ACS therapy

At the start of treatment, approximately 10 to 40 ml of venous blood is usually drawn – depending on the chosen method and individual agreement. The blood is then placed in special tubes containing glass beads with a special surface. These stimulate the white blood cells to produce more anti-inflammatory messenger substances, particularly interleukin-1 receptor antagonists (IL-1Ra).

The blood is then incubated under controlled conditions for several hours, usually about 6 to 7 hours. Afterwards, it is centrifuged to separate the solid blood components from the serum. The resulting biologically active serum is processed under sterile conditions, filled into individual portions, and stored frozen. It can be stored for up to one year.

The treatment involves the targeted injection of the serum into the affected area, for example, a joint, tendon, or spine. The therapy typically comprises several treatments, usually around four injections spaced one week apart.

After treatment, the affected area should be rested for a short time. Afterwards, normal, moderate movement is usually advisable and encouraged. The effects of the therapy develop gradually over several weeks.

Application areas

ACS therapy is primarily used for orthopedic and sports medicine conditions involving inflammation, tissue irritation, or degenerative changes. This includes, in particular, joint problems such as osteoarthritis, tendon irritation and injuries, muscle injuries, ligament injuries, and overuse injuries. The treatment can also be used as a supportive therapy for certain spinal conditions, such as degenerative changes or nerve compression syndromes.

The aim of the therapy is to reduce inflammatory processes, alleviate pain, and support the body's own tissue regeneration. Due to the high concentration of anti-inflammatory messenger substances and growth factors, ACS can be a useful complementary treatment option, particularly for chronic or exercise-related conditions.

In our practice, we also typically use ACS injections after meniscus and/or tendon refixations with fibrin glue to biologically support the healing process and specifically promote regenerative processes.