Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a promising injection treatment for arthritis and tendonitis in recent years. However, not all PRP systems are the same. One of the more innovative PRP systems available for this treatment is the Arthrex ACP Max system. So, what is ACP Max, and how does it stand out from other PRP systems?  

What is PRP? 

PRP is a blood sample with a higher concentration of platelets. Platelets have growth factors essential for healing and regeneration.  We obtain PRP from blood. Blood is centrifuged so the heavier cells, such as white and red cells, move to the bottom. The top part of the sample contains plasma with a high concentration of platelets. The plasma is then re-injected into arthritic joints and painful tendons. 

Does PRP work for arthritis?   

Yes, but not for all joint and tendon conditions.

PRP is effective for the following musculoskeletal conditions:

  • Knee arthritis: 23 RCT trials show that PRP is better than placebo or other injectables.
  • Tennis elbow: A review of studies shows benefits compared to cortisone or placebo, but not all studies are positive.
  • Plantar fasciitis: Nine RCTs show PRP is better than cortisone for heel spurs or plantar fasciitis.
  • Rotator cuff tendonitis: Two systematic reviews have shown improvements in rotator cuff tendon pain in the medium term compared to cortisone.

Arthrex ACP Max: New Generation of PRP

ACP max PRP separating plasma from blood cells

Arthrex ACP max is a new generation of PRP that offers several advantages over standard PRP systems:

  • Higher Concentration of Platelets
    The ACP Max system uses more blood than traditional PRP preparations, allowing for a much higher platelet concentration and dose. A higher platelet dose means more growth factors are delivered to the target area. It provides about 5 to 12 billion platelets in one injection. Other systems offer much less platelet concentration and dose, meaning more than one injection is often needed.
  • Customisable Platelet Concentration
    ACP Max allows the doctor to adjust the dose and concentration of platelets, allowing the treatment to be tailored to specific needs. The dose can vary from five billion to 12 billion platelets in one injection. Not all PRP systems offer this level of flexibility.

Is Arthrex Max PRP better than standard PRP?

Recent evidence suggests that a higher platelet dose in PRP preparations is critical for providing better results in arthritis and tendonitis.

A recently published review compared studies on different PRP systems for knee arthritis. The authors found better results in systems with an average platelet dose of five billion. Conversely, systems with an average platelet dose of only 2.5 billion had less favourable outcomes.

So, a higher platelet dose has a more significant pain-relieving effect on knee arthritis. Arthrex ACP max provides an average of 7 to 12 billion platelets in one injection, efficiently meeting the minimum required dose.

Other commonly asked questions:

How many injections of ACP Max are needed?

As ACP max provides, on average, 7 to 12 billion platelets in one dose, we believe only one injection is needed for arthritis and tendonitis. This ‘one-injection’ treatment saves time and money and reduces the risk of adverse outcomes with multiple injections.

How to prepare for ACP Max?

If you’re considering the Arthrex ACP Max system, here’s what you can expect and how to prepare:

  • Consultation: Before the treatment, consult your doctor to determine your suitability for Arthrex ACP Max. They’ll review your medical history, current medications, and the severity of your arthritis or tendonitis.
  • Avoid Anti-inflammatory Medications: You should avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications (like ibuprofen or Aspirin) for two weeks before and after the procedure. These drugs can interfere with the platelets, thereby reducing the healing effects of PRP.
  • Hydration: Staying well-hydrated in the days before your procedure can improve the quality of the blood sample, ensuring a more concentrated PRP solution. We suggest you consume about 1.5 litres of fluid on the day of the procedure.
  • Procedure: On the day of the procedure, your doctor will draw blood from a vein in your elbow or upper forearm. The blood will be spun twice in a centrifuge. Using a dual syringe, plasma containing a higher concentration of platelets will be separated from the red and white cells. Then, using ultrasound guidance, your doctor will direct the plasma into the affected joint or tendon using a sterile technique. We recommend that injections be done with ultrasound to improve accuracy and effect.

Arthrex ACP Max post-injection: What should you do?

After the PRP injection, you should follow a strict post-injection protocol to optimise the natural healing effect of PRP. Post-injection guidelines include:

  • Depending on the location and condition of the injected area, it should be rested for a specified period after the PRP injection.
  • You could experience short-term pain after a joint or tendon injection. Generally, joint injection soreness lasts a few days, while a tendon injection lasts up to 7 days longer. Pain-relieving techniques include regular ice 15 mins every 4 hours to the injected area to reduce swelling. Also, over-the-counter or prescriptive analgesia (examples include paracetamol, Co-Codamol, and Co-Dydramol) may be needed for the first 24-48 hours after an injection.
  • Avoid ibuprofen or Aspirin for two weeks after a PRP injection.

How long should you rest after the Arthrex ACP Max injection?

Activity after an Arthrex ACP Max injection depends on the structure injected.

For a knee or hip joint injection, you should rest your joint for two days. It would be best to keep your walking distance to a minimum. After three days, you can return to swimming and upper body weights. After a week, you can resume light walking and non-impact activities such as yoga and walking. After two weeks, you can start lighter lower body weights and cross-training. After three weeks, you can restart running and heavier lower body weights, depending on your pain levels.

For lower body tendon injections, you may need a lengthier recovery. Some tendons may require a CAM walker boot for 7-10 days. Generally, rest your tendon for three days. Swimming without kicking is allowed after day three. After ten days, restart walking. After two weeks, you can re-engage in cross-training and physiotherapy exercises. Return to running should be guided by your doctor and physiotherapist.

Final word from Sportdoctorlondon about Arthrex ACP Max

The Arthrex ACP Max system is an advanced solution for delivering PRP therapy to patients suffering from arthritis or tendonitis. Its ability to offer a higher platelet concentration makes it a superior choice to other systems.

Dr Masci offers Arthrex ACP Max for select cases of knee and hip arthritis and tendonitis. If you are considering a PRP injection, please reach out to his staff to talk about your options.

Related conditions:

Dr Masci is a specialist sports doctor in London. 

He specialises in muscle, tendon and joint injuries.