ACP - Autologous Conditioned Plasma
ACP has been used for many years in human and veterinary medicine for orthopaedic treatment. It is recommended for injuries to tendons, ligaments, and muscles. ACP utilises the body's own regenerative powers. To date, no side effects are known, as the body's own plasma is used.
The healing process
Healing after an injury consists of a series of well-coordinated and complex processes. Proteins (i.e. albumin) in the blood play a crucial role in this, as they promote effective tissue repair. A multitude of the proteins involved in the healing process originate from specific blood components, known as platelets.
If an injury occurs, platelets are activated and begin to gather at the site of injury to secrete healing-promoting proteins. These proteins are called growth factors. This is the first step in the healing process.
For many years, blood products have been used in a wide variety of therapeutic forms. New studies and technologies have revealed the positive properties of platelets and expanded the use of blood products in orthopaedic procedures for humans, dogs, and horses.
What is autologous conditioned plasma?
Autologous conditioned plasma is a blood product in which the patient's own plasma is separated.
The vet takes a small amount of blood (15ml) using a needle and a special syringe, which is then centrifuged. This separates and concentrates the platelets and regenerative growth factors contained within the blood plasma.
Platelets are activated outside the bloodstream and release proliferative (e.g., Platelet Growth Factor (PDGF)) and morphogenic proteins (Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)). These growth factors are known to be important for cartilage healing.
The essential effects are:
- Introduction of proliferation and differentiation of various cell types (e.g. stem cells, osteoblasts and epidermal cells)
- Improvement/modulation of the production of collagen, proteoglycan and TIMP (Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases)
- Angiogenesis stimulation
- Chemotaxis
Synergistic effects of growth factors appear to contribute to these positive effects. The patient's own growth factor concentrate can then be used to improve cell activation and delivery to an injury, thus promoting healing. This plasma, enriched with platelets and growth factors, is injected into the injured muscle, tendon, ligament, joint, or wound.
An ACP treatment takes approximately 20 minutes.
In welchen Fällen hilft ACP?
In most injuries of the musculoskeletal system, ligaments and tendons, as well as in muscle and tendon inflammations, healing can be supported by ACP.
This self-help will speed up recovery and enable pain-free mobility.
Text and photos courtesy of Arthrex VetSystems, 50226 Frechen
