At the Bisturmed Orthopaedic Clinic, we treat joint, tendon and muscle injuries and conditions using three different biological treatments:
At our clinic, we perform treatments using activated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the Swiss manufacturer RegenLab. The treatment involves drawing a tube of venous blood from the patient. The blood sample is then centrifuged using a specialised device. This separates the concentrated blood plasma containing platelets from the other blood cells. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the area to be treated. The injection can also be performed under ultrasound guidance.
Once introduced into the tissue, the platelets become activated and release numerous growth factors that stimulate and accelerate regenerative and reparative processes. Local anaesthesia is generally not required for the infiltration.
Usually, 3 applications of platelet-rich plasma are required, at intervals of 7–14 days. Following the applications, the patient can continue with normal daily and sporting activities. During the treatment, however, the patient must not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroids.
For the treatment of joint degeneration, a combination of platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid can also be used.
Indications for PRP treatment:
- early-stage joint degeneration (knee, ankle, shoulder)
- tendinitis and calcifications of the rotator cuff
- Achilles tendon tendinopathy
- patellar ligament tendinopathy
- elbow epicondylitis
- plantar fasciitis
- muscle and ligament injuries
According to available research data, the therapy has an 80% success rate. The treatment is entirely self-funded and the costs are not covered by the Slovenian Health Insurance Institute (ZZZS).
Rare complications may also occur:
- haematoma at the site of venous blood collection
- swelling and haematoma in the infiltration area
- inflammation in the infiltration area
The injection of stem cells represents one of the most recent and effective approaches for the long-term reduction of joint inflammation and the improvement of overall joint function. Currently, stem cells are used exclusively for the treatment of joints; we do not recommend their use for the treatment of soft tissues (tendons, muscles and periarticular bursae).
Stem cell treatment is used:
- for treating injuries in younger patients, as it reduces inflammation and accelerates the body’s natural regenerative processes;
- with particular effectiveness in the early stages of osteoarthritis, where stem cells reduce inflammation and slow the progression of osteoarthritis, creating favourable conditions for limited regeneration;
- in advanced osteoarthritis, where it can delay the need for surgical joint replacement by several years.
Mesenchymal stem cells in orthopaedics, particularly in the treatment of joints, significantly expand the therapeutic options available to patients. They can be isolated from bone marrow or adipose tissue.
In addition to providing long-term reduction of inflammation through the active release of growth factors (whereas other biological treatment methods deliver the growth factors themselves), stem cells can differentiate into bone or cartilage tissue and can also act by stimulating the surrounding tissue to regenerate.
Stem cells are generally injected only once, which should be sufficient to provide relief from symptoms for several years. However, if symptoms worsen again, the treatment can be repeated.
The stem cells are collected under local anaesthesia and, if necessary, sedation. Through a minimal incision, the stem cells are aspirated from the bone tissue of the pelvic bone or tibia, or from adipose tissue around the waist. The aspirate is then centrifuged and sterilely injected into the joint.
The procedure is not painful and is performed on an outpatient basis. A few days of rest are recommended after the application; physical and sporting activities can usually be gradually resumed after several weeks.
The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis at the Medical Centre in Izola.