Regenerative Medicine (Biotherapy)

PFC-FD Therapy

I want to reduce lingering pain. I want to return to sports sooner. I want to continue my hobbies and sports for pleasure. I want to improve my anti-aging. New treatment methods to meet such needs

What is regenerative medicine (biotherapy)?

　Regenerative medicine (biotherapy) is a treatment for the natural"Natural healing power."The treatment is based on the use of Among those already in use for actual treatment arePRP Therapy（Platelet-Rich Plasma (Platelet-Rich Plasma). After the patient's own blood is drawn, platelet-rich blood is extracted and injected into the affected area,Growth factors released by plateletsBy,Repair or revitalize tissues, promote healing of affected areas, and reduce inflammationIt is expected to be effective. of a completely different mechanism from conventional conservative therapy.Next-generation treatmentPRP is a liquid containing large amounts of platelets (multi-platelet plasma) obtained by centrifuging autologous blood. Growth factors contained in platelets include PDGF, FGF, EGF, VEGF, and TGF-β. Injection of these growth factors is expected to contribute to tissue healing and inflammation control in the body (affected area).

　PFC-FD Therapy（PFC-FD therapy is a freeze-dried (freeze-dried) growth factor extracted from autologous blood, and contains about twice as much growth factor than normal PRP. It contains about twice as much growth factors as regular PRP.

　PFC-FD2.0 Therapyis the highest level of regenerative medicine, containing 10 times more growth factors than PFC-FD therapy and upgraded in all aspects.

　Thus, regenerative medicine (biotherapy) is a treatment that utilizes growth factors contained in the patient's own platelets and injects them into joint and muscle tendon diseases and injuries to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.

What is Regenerative Medicine in Orthopedics?

　Regenerative medicine in orthopedics has been widely practiced worldwide with proven efficacy in a variety of areas, from joints and muscle-tendon ligaments to cartilage such as intervertebral discs and menisci.

　Because it uses one's own blood, it is safe and has few side effects. However, there are still many unknowns, and at present it is not covered by insurance in Japan.

　The main expected effects are,(1) Improvement of pain, (2) Reduction of inflammation, (3) Early tissue repair, (4) Inhibition of progressionThere are several types of surgery. Many people are choosing it as a means to avoid surgery or as an alternative to surgery for chronic diseases that are not responding to treatment. In the field of sports, it has the potential to repair damaged meniscus, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and to speed up the process. Even if healing does not occur, it may be used to reduce inflammation and its progression over a long period of time.

Features of our clinic's regenerative medicine (biotherapy)

Careful and detailed consultation and examination will clarify the indications, and treatment can be started only after you are satisfied with the results.
Effective results can be expected because the lesion is precisely identified and injected using echo
PFC-FD therapy, which contains twice as many growth factors as regular PRP, is used.
Can choose PFC-FD2.0 therapy, which contains 10 times more growth factors than PFC-FD therapy
Synergistic effects can be expected in conjunction with other advanced medical treatments such as minimally invasive surgery and moyamoya inflammatory vascular therapy

How is this different from previous treatments?

(1) Past

Until now, only two major treatment methods have been used.
Conservative treatment postpones surgery as long as possible, but if treatment is not successful, the period of pain will continue for a long time unless surgery is performed. In addition, those who could not undergo surgery due to complications or other reasons were left with no treatment options.

(2) Present

Regenerative medicine is now available as a third treatment, following conservative and surgical therapies. Injection of platelet-derived growth factors and anti-inflammatory factors, which have self-healing properties, is used to activate self-repair capabilities and reduce inflammation.

(iii) Future

We anticipate that regenerative medicine will be adapted at earlier stages of disease and used as a first-line treatment. It is believed that by using regenerative medicine at an earlier stage, it may be possible to delay aging and inhibit the development of damage and inflammation.

Who we recommend regenerative medicine to

1) Athletes and other exercisers

1. For those who want to make it in time for an important game.
2. Those who have joint and muscle-tendon ligament soreness that prevents them from performing as well as they would like.
3. Those with chronic pain due to overuse
4. Patients with meniscus, muscles, ligaments, and tendons damaged and not showing improvement.
5. Those who wish to return to sports as soon as possible.

(2) Those who are working hard during work

1. Those who have begun to experience discomfort in walking or taking stairs.
2. Patients with chronic joint, meniscus, cartilage, or disc pain
3. Those who overuse knees, shoulders, tendons, etc.
4. Those who cannot afford multiple visits to the clinic.

(3) Those suffering from joint pain in knees, shoulders, etc.

1. Patients who have received conservative treatment (e.g., hyaluronic acid injections) but have difficulty in getting rid of the pain.
2. Those who wish to try a potentially curative treatment.
3. Those who cannot undergo artificial joint or osteotomy surgery due to complications, age, or other problems.
4. Those who do not wish to have artificial objects (artificial joints or implants) placed in their bodies.
5. Those who want to continue hobbies and sports that make their lives worth living.
6. Those who cannot stay in the hospital for a long period of time due to household chores or nursing care.
7. Those who wish to try non-surgical methods
8. Willingness to try new treatment methods

4) Those interested in anti-aging

1. Those who wish to receive anti-inflammatory and regenerative medicine for joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles.
2. Those who wish to delay aging

Director's Passion for Regenerative Medicine

Based on my experience of practicing regenerative medicine overseas (Singapore), where regenerative medicine is very popular, I would like to improve the reality that there are many intractable cases in Japan that cannot be treated due to the lack of insurance coverage for new treatments.
I want my patients to experience the bitterness of being forced to take a long time off from sports due to a sports injury, and the joy of being able to return to sports after receiving PRP treatment myself.
A desire as a physician to challenge disease and improve the quality of life of patients with new treatments.

Regenerative Medicine (Biotherapy) for Muscle Tendon Injuries

Sports-induced strains and ligament injuries, rotator cuff injuries of the Achilles tendon and shoulder, and many others are indications for regenerative medicine. Whether you are hoping to return to work early from an injury or are suffering from chronic pain, it is an option if existing treatments do not get better.

The clinic's unique non-surgical and minimally invasive muscle-tendon regeneration therapies (echo-guided tendon suture, bone marrow drilling, pike crust (a needle-based tissue activation and stimulation therapy), hydrodissection scraping (a treatment to remove scar tissue or stimulate tissue), shockwave, Prolotherapy, Moyamoya Inflammatory Vascular Therapy) in combination with PFC-FD therapy (Prolotherapy, Moyamoya Inflammatory Vascular Therapy) to enhance the therapeutic effect of PFC-FD therapy compared to PFC-FD therapy alone.

　The following diseases are good indications

(1) Acute injury/trauma

Separated hamstrings and calves, ankle and knee ligament injuries, cartilage injuries, knee meniscus injuries, fractures and dislocations, etc.

(2) Chronic (refractory) injuries, trauma, and disorders with degeneration (tendonitis, tendon adhesions, tendon injuries, bursitis, cartilage injuries, etc.)

Lateral humeral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial humeral epicondylitis (golf elbow), patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee), Achilles tendon disorders (Achilles tendonitis, peritendinitis), iliotibial ligamentitis (runner's knee), plantar tendonitis, rotator cuff tear, baseball elbow (medial-type ligament damage, lateral-type osteochondral damage), shoulder with throwing disorder, etc.

Other

Articular lip injury, periarthritis, frozen shoulder, spinal intervertebral joint disorder, lumbar spondylolysis, intractable fracture, painful external tibial disorder, posterior foot impingement (deltoid disorder), carpal tunnel syndrome, thumb CM arthropathy, etc.

Combined with other treatments to enhance therapeutic effect

　So far, not enough evidence has been gathered for biotherapy, and there are variations in the effectiveness and duration of treatment. For this reason, some patients are unable to take the plunge into bio-therapy. At our clinic, we are working on combining other regenerative medicine to enhance the effectiveness of treatment. In other countries, it is actively combined with other treatments, but in Japan, due to the insurance system, the combination therapy of regenerative medicine is not practiced.

　Eliminate inflammatory blood vessels that inhibit regeneration, "Embolization of Abnormal Blood Vessels", which nourishes the tendons.prolotherapy", which improves tendon flexibility and sliding and prevents tears.hyaluronic acid injection", using only needles and thin shavers to remove adhesions and scar tissue that inhibit tendon regeneration.pie crust scraping", for the purpose of muscle-tendon sliding, muscle strengthening, balance improvement, and recurrence prevention.Musculoskeletal RehabilitationFinally, if the tear or injury is not going to heal, the repair is done surgically.Almost no cutting tendon repairThe combination of "I have a problem" and other treatments. Please consult your physician at the time of treatment as to which combination of treatments would be best for you.

Regenerative Medicine (Biotherapy) in Arthritis

　Indications for treatment are divided according to grade. Grade 1 to grade 2 are good indications, but grade 3 and above can also be seen to be effective, and treatment is offered to those who desire it.

Types of Regenerative Medicine Injections

❇︎ At our clinic,PFC-FD onlyAvailable.

(1) PRP Therapy

　PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a form of platelet-rich plasma, which is blood produced by concentrating platelets that contain growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Platelets are mainly used to "stop bleeding" when bleeding or injury occurs, but they also play a role in the healing process after bleeding is stopped, producing growth factors that promote tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
　This platelet concentrated solution is injected into the affected area to enhance natural healing power, reduce inflammation and pain, and provide faster healing.

(2) PFC-FD Therapy

　PFC-FD (Platelet-Derived Factor Concentrate Freeze Dry) translates to "freeze-dried preservation of platelet-derived growth factor concentrate". While standard PRP therapy includes platelets in its administration, PFC-FD sends blood to a refinery for freeze-drying. The cellular component is removed and only the growth factors within the platelets are extracted, which are then concentrated and activated for administration. Because it does not contain cellular components, it is not legally called regenerative medicine, but is called cytokine therapy, and the amount of growth factors is approximately twice that of regular PRP therapy. Improvements in pain and inflammation are said to be higher than with regular PRP.

(2) PFC-FD2.0 therapy

PFC-FD2.0 is a new product that contains growth factors with cellular tissue repair and anti-inflammatory functions, while maintaining the safety and convenience of PFC-FD.10 times more than PFC-FDOn the other hand, the amount of IL-6, a factor with an inflammatory function, is kept at a very low level. On the other hand, the amount of IL-6, a factor with an inflammatory function, is kept to a very low level, as in the past.Treatment with upgraded PFC-FDThe results are as follows. Also, compared to the 6 months of PFC-FD for the storage institution,Can be stored for 1 yearThe company is also able to offer a variety of other services upon request. Also, upon requestCan be administered in two divided dosesSo, it can be administered to various sites in two divided doses without blood sampling during the course of a year.

❇︎ Our clinic isPFC-FD onlyAvailable.

❇︎ Effectiveness and duration may vary among individuals.

❇︎ There will be an additional charge for treatment performed by insurance. In addition, insurance and self-funded treatments cannot be performed on the same day.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

🔖 Even those who do not respond to existing treatments can expect to benefit from treatment.
🔖 Persistent anti-inflammatory effects can be expected. (generally 3-12 months)
🔖 It is safe because it uses your own blood. There are no side effects such as infection or allergic reactions.
🔖 You can take it as many times as you want.
🔖 Simpler and less physically demanding than surgery.
🔖 Applicable to most areas, including joints, muscles, tendons, and bones.

demerit

🔖 The effectiveness and duration of treatment depends on the medical condition and age of the patient and varies.
🔖 This is a self-pay treatment. It is not covered by health insurance or other medical system insurance.
🔖 Subcutaneous bleeding may occur at the site of blood collection and treatment.
🔖 Injection into the affected area during treatment is painful. In some cases, swelling, pain, and heat may occur in the treated area for several days. Swelling may last up to a week, depending on the treated area.
🔖 Chronic pain called complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) may occur due to sympathetic neuropathy.
🔖 Testing for infectious diseases (hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, syphilis, human T-cell leukemia) is required and treatment is not available if positive.

Those who may not be able to receive regenerative medicine (biotherapy)

🔘 Persons with infectious diseases (hepatitis virus, HIV infection, etc.)
🔘 Those who have been diagnosed with or are undergoing treatment for cancer
🔘 Those with active inflammation
🔘 Have received this treatment within one month
🔘 Those using or unable to discontinue antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications
🔘 Steroid use.
🔘 Those who are unable to maintain rest
🔘 Minors who are unable to obtain parental consent
🔘 Persons with mental illness
🔘 Those with serious complications (examples below)
　✔︎ some cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, and renal diseases
　✔︎ bleeding tendency
　✔︎ poorly controlled diabetes, hypertension, etc.
🔘 History of drug hypersensitivity
🔘 Others deemed inappropriate by the physician in charge

Flow of treatment from reservation to treatment

(1) For those who are considering a medical examination

　Please feel free to see us first. The first visit will be covered by insurance. If it is determined that regenerative medicine is indicated, the second and subsequent visits are by appointment only in order to provide safe and better regenerative medicine. We will confirm your schedule and make an appointment for you at the time of consultation.

(2) Initial medical examination (consultation and examination)

　First, we will interview you about the extent of your symptoms, your medical history, and the course of treatment to date. Next, the patient will undergo imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, and echocardiography, as necessary, based on the doctor's judgment. (You may bring your own MRI. If we order it from our clinic, you will be taken to a nearby hospital for the examination, which will be done on a different day).
　After examination, we will determine if regenerative medicine (biotherapy) is suitable for you at our clinic, and we will perform general blood tests.
　After explaining and understanding about regenerative medicine (bio-therapy), we will schedule the actual treatment date. We will provide you with a consent form, which you will need to bring with you on the day of treatment.
　Up to this point, the treatment is covered by insurance. Please note that you may not be able to receive regenerative medicine (PFC-FD) depending on the results of the blood collection test. (Please refer to "Those who may not be able to receive regenerative medicine")

(iii) Blood collection for treatment

　If you arrive on the scheduled treatment date and are in good physical condition, we will draw your own blood.
　PFC-FD therapy is administered as soon as the blood is sent to the purification plant and the specimens are returned 3-4 weeks later.

*If infection is detected, treatment is discontinued.

(4) Treatment (injection of regenerative medicine)

　After being concentrated, activated, and cell-free at a refinery, the freeze-dried specimens are sent back to our clinic approximately 3-4 weeks later, where they are thawed, dissolved, and injected into the affected area under echo guidance. After thawing and dissolving, the specimens are injected into the affected area under echo-guided guidance.

(5) Periodic checkups after treatment

　Although this is a new regenerative therapy, it is still in the research stage, and the effectiveness may vary depending on the blood sample taken, so it is necessary to confirm the effectiveness and safety after treatment.After treatment, we request regular checkups at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.

　Please note that x-rays and MRI scans will be performed at 6 months and 1 year after treatment, so please visit the clinic as much as possible.

Treatment Schedule

Treatment Schedule for PFC-FD Therapy

❇︎The above schedule is only a schedule, and follow-up visits and follow-ups after injection administration can be interrupted or cancelled at your convenience, so please feel free to consider it.

Expenses

Regenerative medicine is not covered by medical insurance (free treatment). Please be advised that insurance cannot be used for prescribing drugs or examinations on the day of blood collection and administration for treatment.

Initial consultation fee (for free treatment) **.

　Consultation fee: ¥8,000 (¥8,800 incl. tax)

For patients who have already been diagnosed and have already undergone tests, etc. and wish to receive regenerative medicine.

*In the initial visit, diagnosis and examination of osteoarthritis of the knee will be covered by insurance.

Cost of PFC-FD Therapy**.

　PFC-FD Therapy: ￥150,000 (￥165,000 incl. tax)
　(2 times at the same time ¥270,000 (¥297,000 incl. tax)

Cost of PFC-FD2.0 Therapy

　PFC-FD2.0 Therapy: ¥200,000 (¥220,000 incl. tax)

(For two times at the same time: ¥360,000 (¥396,000 incl. tax)

**If given in divided doses, at the time of the second or subsequent injections,Re-examination fee for injection ¥3,000 (¥3,300 incl. tax)will be applied.

Responsibility: Dr. Yuki Toya, Orthopedic Surgeon, Hand Surgery Specialist/Supervisor