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.
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
| Parameter | PRP | Hyaluronate | Corticosteroid | CGF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Stimulation | Lubrication | Inflammation suppression | Regeneration |
| Effect duration | 6–12 mo | 6–9 mo | 2–6 wk | 2–5 yr |
| Effect on cartilage | Neutral | Neutral | Destructive | Restorative |
| Side effects | Minimal | Minimal | Serious with repeated use | Minimal |
| Repeatability | No limits | No limits | Not >3 times/year | No limits |
Detailed comparison: PRP vs hyaluronate > · Comparison of biologic preparations >
Effectiveness by indication
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Get a CGF treatment plan for your case
Send your MRI — Professor Babayan will determine whether CGF is suitable, the volume needed and the number of procedures. Free, within 48 hours.
Send MRI +49 1522 1828872