CGF: What It Is and How It Differs from PRP

What CGF is

CGF (Concentrated Growth Factors) is a concentrate made from the patient’s venous blood. It is prepared by centrifugation at varying speeds and without an anticoagulant, so it forms a fibrin clot or gel. In essence, it is a type of PRP.

How it is prepared

20–60 ml of blood is taken from a vein.
The tubes are centrifuged for 12–15 minutes using a special programme.
The concentrate is injected the same day — as a gel or liquid fraction, usually under ultrasound guidance.

CGF and PRP: what is known

Parameter	PRP	CGF
Preparation	Centrifugation with an anticoagulant	Varying-speed programme, no anticoagulant
Form	Liquid	Fibrin gel or membrane
Orthopaedic studies	Many, including randomised trials	Few, mostly small
Proven effect	Moderate pain reduction in knee osteoarthritis	Not established; data mostly from dentistry

Figures such as “10 times more growth factors” come from laboratory measurements and depend on the protocol. They do not prove better clinical results than PRP.

Where it is used

CGF is mostly used in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery. In orthopaedics, some clinics use it for osteoarthritis and tendinopathies, sometimes together with cell-based products. Restoration of cartilage or discs has not been shown; the clinic physician decides whether the method is suitable.

How we help

We send your images to several clinics, including those that use PRP or CGF. Each clinic gives its preliminary opinion and quotes its own price. Send a request.

Who it is not suitable for and possible risks

Contraindications

Active infection — at the injection site or systemic, with fever.
Active cancer or ongoing chemotherapy.
Blood clotting disorders or a low platelet count. Anticoagulants are discussed with the physician.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding — the procedure is usually postponed.
A corticosteroid injection into the same area in recent weeks.
Severe stage IV osteoarthritis with axial deformity and joint destruction — joint replacement is usually discussed instead.

Possible risks

Pain and swelling at the injection site for 1–3 days.
Bruising where blood or fat tissue is taken.
Rarely, infection. The procedure is therefore performed under sterile conditions with ultrasound or X-ray guidance.
The effect may be absent or smaller than expected.

If any of these apply to you, mention it in your request. The coordinator will check with the clinic physician whether treatment is possible. Contact a coordinator.

Scientific evidence

Studies of regenerative methods show mixed results. Clinic physicians rely on research including the following:

Marx RE. Platelet-rich plasma: evidence to support its use. J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 2004.
Sheth U et al. Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma use for orthopaedic indications: a meta-analysis. J Bone Joint Surg Am, 2012.

Next steps: Treatment methods · Treatment cost · How treatment in Germany is organised

Questions about CGF

What is CGF?

A concentrate made from the patient’s own blood, a type of PRP, prepared by varying-speed centrifugation without an anticoagulant.

Is CGF better than PRP?

This has not been shown. Laboratory measurements find more growth factors in CGF, but there are few orthopaedic clinical studies and no proven advantage over PRP.

Is CGF safe?

A product from your own blood rarely causes allergy. Pain and swelling after the injection are possible; infection is rare.

How does RegenPAS help organise treatment?

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.

What is needed for a preliminary assessment?

Your MRI (or CT, X-ray) report and the images if you have them, plus a short description of your symptoms and previous treatment. Send them via the form on the website — the assessment is free and without obligation: the coordinator replies within 24 hours, and the clinic physician’s preliminary opinion follows in 1–3 business days.

How much does treatment cost and how long do I need to stay in Munich?

The cost depends on the method, the diagnostics needed and the clinic itself: prices differ between clinics. We request offers from several clinics and send you their conditions and quotes so you can compare. Price guidance is on the treatment cost page. For an outpatient procedure, 2–3 days in Munich are usually enough: examination, procedure and follow-up visit.