The joints are the hinges and shock absorbers of our body. They enable movement, absorb and distribute pressure, as well as tensile and shear forces. As movable connections at the ends of bones, they consist of various structures: the joint cavity and joint space, surrounded by the joint capsule and filled with synovial fluid, as well as the articular cartilage. This cartilage is made up of 95% cartilage matrix and 5% cartilage cells—so-called chondrocytes, which are responsible for the breakdown and regeneration of the cartilage matrix. It covers the ends of the bones and, together with the synovial fluid, helps prevent bone abrasion.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in a joint undergoes degenerative destruction, leading to associated changes in the bone. These changes can cause significant discomfort and pain. With 12.4 million affected individuals in Germany alone, osteoarthritis is considered a widespread disease. By the age of 35, every second person shows early signs of osteoarthritis. By the age of 60, half of all women and one-third of men are affected.

Unlike arthritis, osteoarthritis is not primarily an inflammatory disease. This form of osteoarthritis is referred to as “silent” or latent osteoarthritis. However, in the progressive course of the disease, worn cartilage material can trigger inflammation, swelling, and pain. This form is described as activated osteoarthritis.

In a hyaluronic acid therapy, synthetically produced hyaluronic acid is injected directly into the affected joint to restore its lubricating and cushioning function as well as its viscosity, thereby relieving pain. By acting directly on the joint fluid, arthritic discomfort can be reduced. In addition, it stabilizes the cartilage, helps prevent inflammation, and stimulates the production of the body’s own hyaluronic acid.

Hyaluronic acid therapy is used in osteoarthritis when painkillers alone are no longer sufficient at a responsible dosage and joint replacement can be avoided. Especially in cases of severe osteoarthritis pain, therapy with hyaluronic acid can help maintain quality of life.

Autologous cell therapies target precisely these processes of the natural healing process (healing without medication or surgery): cells, cytokines, and growth factors are separated and concentrated from the patient’s blood.

When applied to the site of injury, they can naturally support the body’s own healing process. This can accelerate regeneration, reduce inflammatory reactions, and relieve pain without medication.

Different cell therapies are used for different conditions. Depending on the diagnosis, it is determined whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with or without leukocytes is used, whether it is applied in liquid or gel form, or whether a cell-free conditioned serum (ACS) provides the best healing stimulus.

Autologous cell therapies are always produced from a small amount of the patient’s own blood.

With the CE-certified IMPACT® platform from Germany, your doctor uses a unique system capable of producing various autologous cell therapies and allowing variable concentrations of leukocytes and platelets. Using innovative sensor technology, the system automatically separates, after centrifugation, exactly the components of your blood that can provide the greatest healing stimulus for your condition.

All therapy options are produced fully automatically on the IMPACT® platform within a closed system. This ensures:

• High therapy safety
• Reliable results
• Excellent cell yield

Your doctor will work with you to select the most suitable autologous cell therapy for your condition.