Amniotic membranes
The inflammation of the joint in younger patients is due to sports stresses or injuries, and in older patients, as a consequence of minor, sometimes even undetectable injuries. These are imposed and lead to a weak but constant inflammation that does not allow the regeneration of joint cartilage surfaces which begin to disintegrate.
Such inflammation should be stopped or reduced. It can be done by repeated injection of PRP (platelet rich plasma treatment), or with an even more effective injection of micronized amniotic membranes. Amniotic membranes are those surrounding the fetus during the pregnancy, having the role of protecting it. In addition to physical protection, amniotic membranes also contain growth factors that help fetus regenerate in case of injury.
The abilities of amniotic membranes involved in the regeneration of child injuries during pregnancy are used in high-efficiency orthopaedics for medium to long-term reduction of inflammation and stimulation of regeneration. Amniotic membranes are prepared by a special procedure in a tissue bank in the United States, where donors are thoroughly tested, and then amniotic membranes are grinded and dried after a special procedure. The amniotic membranes thus prepared contain intact growth factors that, after injection into the joint, are released from the microscopic pieces of the amniotic membrane, thus ensuring longer release of growth factors than in the PRP injection.
Indications for treatment with amniotic membranes are the same as for platelet rich plasma treatment (joint degeneration, tendon inflammation, muscle injury or strain). The injection procedure is very simple and requires only one application. The amniotic membrane powder is dissolved in saline solution prior to administration and injected into the joint or into soft tissue. After the application, rest is prescribed for a few days and the patient can begin with physical and sports activity after a few weeks.