Regenerative Medicine: Complete Patient Guide

Regenerative medicine is a field that, instead of replacing damaged tissues with prosthetics, aims to restore them. It sounds like science fiction, but over the past 15 years, science has advanced enough to make this a reality. However, not everything called "regenerative" is equally effective.

Levels of Regenerative Medicine

Imagine a ladder — from simple to complex:

Level 1: PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

A platelet concentrate is obtained from the patient's blood through centrifugation. Platelets release growth factors (PDGF, TGF-β, VEGF) that stimulate healing.

• What it treats: tendinopathies, ligament sprains, early-stage osteoarthritis
• Limitations: no stem cells, basic concentration of growth factors, blind delivery
• Effectiveness: 50-70% for soft tissues, significantly lower for cartilage

Level 2: CGF (Concentrated Growth Factors)

An advanced version of PRP. A special centrifugation protocol produces a fibrin matrix with growth factors at 5-10 times higher concentration than in PRP.

• What it treats: everything PRP does plus deeper tendon and cartilage damage
• Advantage: the fibrin matrix provides prolonged release of factors (up to 7-10 days vs 24 hours with PRP)

Level 3: Stem Cells (MFAT)

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from the patient's adipose tissue. Capable of differentiating into chondrocytes (cartilage), osteoblasts (bone), tenocytes (tendons).

• MFAT — patented technology for mechanical processing of adipose tissue. Preserves native microstructure: pericytes, adipocytes, extracellular matrix
• Advantage over bone marrow: MSC concentration is 100-500 times higher, harvest is less painful
• What it treats: cartilage regeneration, intervertebral disc restoration, avascular necrosis

Level 4: Regenerative treatment (CGF + MFAT + Navigation)

A combination of the most powerful regenerative concentrates with precise navigational delivery:

• CGF + MFAT — double impact: growth factors plus stem cells
• Navigation system — 3D navigation based on MRI/CT for access point planning
• Ultrasound guidance — real-time ultrasound control for precise delivery
• Micro-puncture 0.3-1.5 mm — comparable to a syringe needle

Honest Method Comparison

Parameter	PRP	CGF	Regenerative treatment
Growth factors	×1	×5-10	×5-10 (CGF)
Stem cells	No	No	Yes (MFAT)
Navigation	Blind	Ultrasound	3D + Ultrasound
Cartilage	Partial	Partial	Full regeneration (stages I-III)
Effect	6-12 months	1-2 years	Years (structural regeneration)

What to Consider When Choosing a Clinic

1. Cell source: autologous (own) vs allogeneic (donor). Own cells are always safer
2. Processing method: mechanical (MFAT) vs enzymatic (SVF). Mechanical preserves structure
3. Navigation: blind injection vs ultrasound vs 3D. Without navigation, up to 20% of injections miss the target
4. Doctor's experience: how many procedures performed?
5. Outcome control: do they perform follow-up MRI at 3-6 months?

Related Articles