Regenerative medicine
PRP for joints and tendons in Lugano
An autologous preparation from the patient's blood: after drawing 8–30 ml, it is centrifuged and injected into the tissue being treated. Platelets carry growth factors and cytokines. Indication, protocol and timing are defined at the specialist visit.
- 8–30 ml of blood, centrifugation, autologous cells only
- Orthopaedics, tendons and cartilage, sports medicine, skin and hair
- Can sit alongside laser, described on the PRP and laser page
How it is obtained
Draw and centrifugation
After drawing 8–30 ml into special tubes, platelet-rich plasma is prepared by centrifugation. Platelets contain growth factors and cytokines that stimulate cell proliferation, angiogenesis and the formation of connective tissue.
Injection
PRP is injected into the damaged tissue. Only autologous cells from the patient's own blood are used.
Combination with laser
Laser irradiation can sit alongside the injection. That combination, especially on the skin, is on the PRP and laser page.
What knee studies say
In a randomised trial of PRP for knee osteoarthritis, improvement appeared within 2–3 weeks and lasted to the 6-month check. A meta-analysis of 18 studies compared PRP and hyaluronic acid, with results assessed on average after 11 months.
When we offer it
Orthopaedics
Osteoarthritis and treatments for bone regeneration, when there is an indication for PRP.
Tendons and cartilage
Injuries of tendons, ligaments and muscles, inflammation where tendons attach, and cartilage damage.
Sports medicine
Tendinopathy, fractures and support for wound healing, within the visit.
Skin and hair
Skin rejuvenation, scars and support against hair loss. In reviews of the face the effect is generally modest; details are on the PRP and laser page.
How it is tolerated
Only cells from the patient's own blood are used. As with any injection, pain, redness, swelling or a small bruise can appear in the treated area, usually short-lived.
Frequently asked questions
Is skin PRP the same as joint PRP?
The draw and centrifugation are the same (8–30 ml). The target changes: joints and tendons on this page; the skin on the PRP and laser page.
Is it painful?
The injection can sting; local anaesthetic or anaesthetic cream is used if needed.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions is decided with you at the visit, according to the complaint and how you respond to treatment.
Is PRP covered by insurance?
The practice is RME certified and, in Ticino, bills complementary insurers: with complementary insurance, under certain conditions, the treatment can be reimbursed. Patients with basic insurance only receive a clear cost estimate at the visit and pay directly.
Scientific sources
- Patel S, et al. Treatment with platelet-rich plasma is more effective than placebo for knee osteoarthritis: a prospective, double-blind, randomized trial. Am J Sports Med. 2013;41:356–364. doi:10.1177/0363546512471299
- Belk JW, et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Sports Med. 2021;49:249–260. doi:10.1177/0363546520909397
- Andia I, Maffulli N. Platelet-rich plasma for managing pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis. Nat Rev Rheumatol. 2013;9:721–730. doi:10.1038/nrrheum.2013.141
Related treatments
This therapy is part of Regenerative medicine and Laser therapy.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
For musculoskeletal pain the practice follows several routes, often combined. The specialist visit, with ultrasound when needed, clarifies which one is indicated in your case.
Rheumatology
Diagnosis and treatment plan: the first visit when the pain is in the joints, back or tendons.
Acupuncture
Needles, needle-free laser or ear acupuncture, performed by a specialist physician.
Interventional pain therapy
Ultrasound-guided injections of joints and soft tissues, with hyaluronic acid or PRP when indicated.
The information on this page is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. The indication, expected benefits and risks of every treatment are assessed individually during the specialist consultation.
Let's assess PRP together
Indication, protocol and timing are defined after the specialist consultation.
We accept referrals and second-opinion requests from your physician, via HIN. dr.djordjevic@hin.ch
How to reach us
In Lugano, a short walk from USI and EOC
The practice is centrally located in Italian-speaking Switzerland, also reachable from Mendrisio, Bellinzona, Locarno and Chiasso, and is easy to reach from Italy, Milan, Como, Varese and Lombardy by car and by train.
By car: the practice's own car park is right in front. By public transport: a short walk from USI.
Address
Via Alessandro Volta 1
6900 Lugano
Opening hours
Monday and Wednesday 08:00–16:30
Friday 08:00–13:30