Arthrex ACP Max: High-Dose PRP in One Injection
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become an established injection treatment for arthritis and tendonitis. However, not all PRP systems are equal. The Arthrex ACP Max system delivers a much higher platelet dose than standard PRP — enough to treat most conditions with a single injection. Dr Masci offers Arthrex ACP Max at his London clinics, with every injection performed under ultrasound guidance.
So what is ACP Max? And why does the platelet dose matter? This guide explains how the system works, the evidence behind high-dose PRP, and what to expect from the procedure.
What is PRP?
PRP is a sample of your own blood with a higher concentration of platelets. Platelets carry the growth factors that drive healing and regeneration. We draw blood and spin it in a centrifuge. The heavier red and white cells sink to the bottom. The plasma at the top holds a high concentration of platelets. We then inject this plasma into arthritic joints or painful tendons.
Does PRP work?
Yes — for the right conditions. The evidence supports PRP for:
- Knee arthritis: 23 RCTs show PRP beats placebo and other injectables
- Hip arthritis: a review of 8 RCTs found that one PRP injection improved hip arthritis pain for at least two months
- Tennis elbow: reviews show benefits over cortisone and placebo, though not every study is positive
- Plantar fasciitis: nine RCTs show PRP beats cortisone
- Gluteal tendonitis / greater trochanteric pain syndrome: one strong RCT favours PRP over cortisone
- Rotator cuff tendonitis: two systematic reviews show medium-term improvement over cortisone
What makes Arthrex ACP Max different?
A much higher platelet dose. The ACP Max system processes more blood than traditional PRP preparations. One injection delivers approximately 5-12 billion platelets at a concentration 7–11 times baseline. Standard PRP systems deliver far less, which is why they usually need two or three injections. ACP Max needs one.
A customisable dose. ACP Max lets Dr Masci adjust the platelet dose and concentration to your condition, from around 5 billion up to 12 billion platelets. Few PRP systems offer this flexibility. A degenerative tendon and an arthritic knee do not need the same preparation — with ACP Max, they don’t get it.
Is Arthrex ACP Max better than standard PRP?
The evidence increasingly says yes — and platelet dose is the reason.
A recent review compared PRP systems for knee arthritis. Systems delivering an average dose of five billion platelets produced better results. Systems averaging only 2.5 billion performed worse. A second study compared low- and high-concentration PRP directly and found better outcomes with high-concentration PRP at both 6 and 12 months.
The conclusion is simple. A higher platelet dose produces a stronger, longer-lasting effect. Arthrex ACP Max sits at the top of the dose range available in the UK.
One injection instead of two or three
Standard PRP protocols need at least two injections, sometimes three. ACP Max delivers its full platelet dose in a single visit. This saves you money, saves you time, and halves the procedural risk. It also means one recovery period instead of two.
How does Dr Masci perform an ACP Max injection?
Dr Masci performs every ACP Max injection under ultrasound guidance using a sterile technique. He draws blood from a vein in your arm and spins it twice in a centrifuge. A dual-syringe system separates platelet-rich plasma from red and white blood cells. He then guides the plasma into the joint or tendon under ultrasound, watching the needle reach the exact target.
Dr Masci has performed thousands of ultrasound-guided injections. He teaches injection techniques to doctors and physiotherapists across the UK and Europe. Read more about his injection expertise here.
How should you prepare for ACP Max?
Stop anti-inflammatories. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin for two weeks before and after the injection. These drugs blunt platelet function and reduce the healing effect.
Hydrate well. Good hydration improves the quality of your blood sample. Drink about 1.5 litres of fluid on the day of the procedure.
Attend a consultation first. Dr Masci reviews your history, medications, and imaging to confirm ACP Max suits your condition. Not every joint or tendon needs the premium option — where standard PRP or another injection serves you better, he will say so.
What should you do after the injection?
Expect short-term pain after an Arthrex ACP Max injection. Joint soreness usually settles in a few days, while tendon apin can last up to a week. Manage symptoms with ice (15 minutes every 4 hours) and simple painkillers such as paracetamol, Co-Codamol, or Co-Dydramol for the first 24–48 hours. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin for two weeks.
After a knee or hip joint injection, rest the joint for two days and keep walking to a minimum. From day three, swim and do upper-body weights. From day seven, add light walking, yoga, and non-impact activity. For two weeks, start with light lower-body weights and cross-training. Return to running after three weeks, as pain allows.
After a lower-limb tendon injection, recovery takes longer. Some tendons need a CAM boot for 7–10 days. Rest for three days, then swim without kicking. Restart walking at ten days and cross-training plus physiotherapy at two weeks. Your doctor and physiotherapist should guide your return to running.
How much does Arthrex ACP Max cost in London?
Dr Masci offers ACP Max as a one-stop appointment: consultation, diagnostic ultrasound, and injection in a single visit. The fee for an Arthrex ACP Max injection is £1,350. Prices apply to his Chelsea clinic; other clinic locations cost more. Because ACP Max needs only one injection, the total treatment cost often undercuts standard PRP courses of two or three injections.
See our one-stop injection fees and clinic locations.
Frequently asked questions about ACP Max
How many ACP Max injections do I need?
One. ACP Max delivers 5–12 billion platelets in a single dose. Standard PRP systems deliver far less, so they need repeated injections. The single-injection approach saves time and money and reduces procedural risk.
Is ACP Max the same as Arthrex PRP (ACP)?
They come from the same company, but they differ. Standard Arthrex ACP is a low-volume PRP that typically needs at least two injections. ACP Max processes more blood and delivers the full platelet dose in one injection.
Which conditions does Dr Masci treat with ACP Max?
He offers ACP Max for selected cases of knee and hip arthritis and for stubborn tendonitis, including tennis elbow, gluteal tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis. The consultation confirms whether your condition will respond.
Can ACP Max be combined with a local anaesthetic?
No. Local anaesthetics damage platelets, so we never mix the two in the same syringe. Dr Masci numbs the skin separately where needed.
How long until ACP Max works?
PRP works gradually. Most patients notice improvement from 4–6 weeks, with continued gains over 3–6 months as the tissue responds.
Final word from Sport Doctor London about Arthrex ACP Max
Arthrex ACP Max represents the new generation of PRP. Its high, customisable platelet dose matches what the latest evidence says matters most — and it does the job in one injection rather than two or three. Dr Masci offers ACP Max for selected cases of arthritis and tendonitis at his London clinics.
Considering PRP? Contact Dr Masci’s team here or call +44 (0) 203 488 0350 to discuss whether ACP Max is suitable for your condition.
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