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Comparison table
| PRP / CGF | BMAC | MFAT | SVF | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Your own blood | Bone marrow (iliac crest) | Your own fat tissue | Fat tissue, cells released with enzymes |
| How it is obtained | Blood draw and centrifuge | Aspiration under local anaesthesia | Liposuction and mechanical fragmentation | Liposuction and laboratory processing |
| Procedure | About 30–60 minutes, outpatient | About 1–2 hours, outpatient | About 1–2 hours, outpatient | Depends on the laboratory |
| EU regulation | Medical practice | Medical practice (minimal manipulation) | Medical practice (no enzymes) | Advanced therapy product — authorisation needed |
| What is known | Best studied; moderate evidence in knee osteoarthritis | Little data; studied in early hip necrosis | Little data | Little data |
How the method is chosen
- The doctor chooses the method by diagnosis, stage and images — not by how “powerful” the preparation is.
- A more expensive preparation does not mean a better result: comparative studies are scarce.
- None of the methods grows new cartilage or replaces surgery when surgery is really needed.
- An offer of “stem cells” without an authorisation for a cell product is a warning sign.
More on the evidence is on the evidence page. We send your images to several clinics and help you compare what each offers and why.
Scientific evidence
Guidelines and reviews this comparison is based on:
- Bannuru RR et al. OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee, hip, and polyarticular osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage, 2019.
- Belk JW et al. Platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Sports Med, 2021.
- Pas HI et al. Stem cell injections in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review of the literature. Br J Sports Med, 2017.
Frequently asked questions about PRP and cell-based methods
Which is better — PRP or stem cells?
There is no evidence that cell preparations work better than PRP. PRP is better studied; cell-based methods cost more and have been studied less.
How does CGF differ from PRP?
CGF is a type of PRP made with a different centrifugation protocol. Few studies show an advantage in orthopaedics.
How long does the effect last?
It varies: some patients have less pain for months, others see no effect. Promises of benefit “for years” are not supported by studies.
What does it cost?
Each clinic quotes its own price in advance. We request several offers so you can compare.
How can RegenPAS help?
RegenPAS is a patient service centre in Munich, not a clinic. We review your images and symptoms and send a request to several partner clinics at once. Clinics that can accept you send their own conditions and price; prices differ between clinics, and you choose the option that suits you. The coordinator replies within 24 hours, and a clinic physician’s preliminary opinion follows in 1–3 business days. We then arrange the appointment, visa invitation, interpreter, transfers and accommodation. Treatment decisions are made by the clinic physician. Contact a coordinator.
Not sure which method you have been offered? Send your images and the clinic’s offer
Send your MRI or ultrasound and describe where and when it hurts. The coordinator replies within 24 hours; a clinic physician gives an opinion in 1–3 business days.
Send images