What CGF is

CGF (Concentrated Growth Factors) is a biologically active product obtained from the patient\u2019s own blood through a 4-step centrifugation with variable speeds (Medifuge Silfradent program). The technology was developed by Sacco in the early 2000s as an evolution of classical PRP therapy. The key difference is the formation of a dense fibrin matrix in which platelets and growth factors are trapped. This matrix acts as a depot, gradually releasing bioactive molecules over 7–14 days — matching the physiological duration of the inflammatory healing phase.

5–8?platelet concentration vs blood
300%more fibrin vs PRP
7–14 daysslow release
12 mincentrifugation
100%autologous — no additives
WADA ?permitted in professional sports

When CGF is the optimal choice

CGF is particularly effective for chronic tendinopathies (where simple PRP no longer helps), early and moderate osteoarthritis (K-L II–III), partial tendon tears, and for intraoperative use (it accelerates healing of meniscal, ACL and rotator cuff repairs).

Knee

Gonarthrosis II–III, patellar tendinopathy, patellar chondromalacia, partial meniscal tears in the red zone

Shoulder

Rotator cuff tendinopathy, partial supraspinatus tears up to 2 cm, frozen shoulder in the thawing stage, glenohumeral arthrosis

Elbow

Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), triceps tendinopathy

Wrist and hand

De Quervain tenosynovitis, rhizarthrosis I–II, trigger finger, first extensor tendinopathy

Hip

Coxarthrosis II–III, trochanteritis, gluteus medius tendinopathy, piriformis syndrome

Foot

Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, ankle arthrosis, Morton’s neuroma (combined with hydrodissection)

Spine

Epidural PRP for radicular syndrome, facet blocks with CGF for spondyloarthrosis, intradiscal injection for degenerative disc disease

How the procedure is performed

1. Blood collection

15–60 ml of blood is drawn from the cubital vein (depending on the size of the treatment area) into special tubes without anticoagulant. Duration — 5 minutes.

2. 4-step centrifugation

The Medifuge Silfradent program: variable speeds from 2400 to 3000 rpm with different accelerations. Duration — 12 minutes. The output is 4 fractions, of which the dense CGF and liquid CGF are isolated.

3. Site preparation

Antiseptic skin treatment, superficial local anaesthesia (lidocaine 1%) — without penetrating into the injection zone (anaesthetic inactivates growth factors).

4. Ultrasound navigation

Under the control of Sono Control Arm™ (a stabilised ultrasound transducer) and, when required, Cyber Navi Hand™ (optical navigation), the needle is positioned precisely in the target structure with an accuracy of 0.3–0.5 mm.

5. CGF delivery

The liquid fraction is delivered into the main volume (joint, bursa); the dense fraction goes to areas of maximum degeneration or microtearing. Volume: 2–10 ml depending on the structure.

6. Observation and recommendations

The patient remains in the clinic for 30 minutes under observation. A recommendations sheet is provided: cold for 48 hours, rest for 5–7 days, gradual return to activity according to plan.

Comparison with other methods

ParameterPRPHyaluronateCorticosteroidCGF
MechanismStimulationLubricationInflammation suppressionRegeneration
Effect duration6–12 mo6–9 mo2–6 wk2–5 yr
Effect on cartilageNeutralNeutralDestructiveRestorative
Side effectsMinimalMinimalSerious with repeated useMinimal
RepeatabilityNo limitsNo limitsNot >3 times/yearNo limits

Detailed comparison: PRP vs hyaluronate > · Comparison of biologic preparations >

Effectiveness by indication

90%tennis/golfer\u2019s elbow
85%plantar fasciitis
82%Achilles tendinopathy
78%knee OA K-L II
70%knee OA K-L III
75%disc herniation up to 15 mm

Frequently asked questions

How does CGF fundamentally differ from standard PRP?

CGF is obtained through a 4-step centrifugation process (Medifuge Silfradent) with variable speeds. This yields a platelet concentration 5–8? higher than baseline (PRP achieves only 2–3?) plus a dense fibrin matrix that releases growth factors slowly over 7–14 days (PRP releases over 3–5 days). Clinical efficacy is 3–4? greater.

Which growth factors does CGF contain and what do they do?

PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor) — cell migration and proliferation; TGF-?1 — collagen and matrix synthesis; VEGF — angiogenesis (new vessels); IGF-1 — cell proliferation and anabolism; EGF — epithelialisation; BMP-2/7 — bone regeneration. All in physiological, not pharmacological concentrations — therefore without side effects.

How many procedures are needed?

It depends on the diagnosis. Mild tendinopathy — 1 procedure. Moderate stage II osteoarthritis — 1–2 procedures spaced 4–8 weeks apart. Severe stage III osteoarthritis or FBSS — 2–3 procedures in a sequence. The decision is based on the dynamics of clinical and MRI findings. A maintenance procedure is usually performed after 12–24 months.

How long does a single procedure take?

Blood draw (15–60 ml depending on the treatment area) — 5 minutes. 4-step centrifugation — 12 minutes. Site preparation and local anaesthesia — 5 minutes. Ultrasound-guided injection — 10–20 minutes. Post-procedure observation — 30 minutes. Total: 60–90 minutes on an outpatient basis.

When will I feel the effect?

First wave — pain reduction by 30–50% within 2–4 weeks (anti-inflammatory effect of CGF). A temporary plateau may occur at 6–8 weeks. Second wave — by week 12 with true tissue regeneration (visible on MRI). Maximum effect at 3–6 months. In 70% of patients, slow improvement continues for 12–18 months.

Is CGF safe for systemic conditions?

Yes. Since the patient’s own blood is used, there is no risk of allergy, rejection or immune conflict. It is safe in rheumatoid arthritis (basic therapy is continued), compensated diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. Relative contraindications: thrombocytopenia <100?10?/L, active infection, oncological disease in the active phase.

Can it be combined with other procedures?

Yes — this is the MIBRAR® standard. CGF + Lipogems® for deep cartilage damage. CGF + BMAC for bone necrosis. CGF + shockwave therapy for chronic tendinopathies. CGF cannot be combined with corticosteroid injection in the same area (steroids must be discontinued at least 6 weeks beforehand).

What should I do before the procedure?

Stop NSAIDs 7 days beforehand (ibuprofen, diclofenac, meloxicam, aspirin in doses >100 mg). Anticoagulants — by agreement with the cardiologist. 24 hours before — avoid alcohol and intense physical activity. On the day of the procedure — a light breakfast and plenty of fluids (2 L of water). The full checklist is on the preparation page.

Related sections

CGF — technology > PRP therapy > Stem cells > Lipogems® Ortho > BMAC therapy > Regenerative orthopedics guide > Osteoarthritis > Tendinopathies >

Get a CGF treatment plan for your case

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