Blog | MSK — PLYMOUTH MEDICAL

EmCyte VS. APEX

With so many PRP kits on the market, identifying which system delivers truly therapeutic results—not just good marketing—is critical. This blog breaks down how EmCyte and APEX PRP kits compare using Dr. Don Buford’s 15-point evaluation framework, covering essential performance metrics like platelet recovery, hematocrit percentage, workflow efficiency, and cost per billion platelets, using real-world performance data as opposed to manufacturer-sponsored white-paper data.

The Plasma Edition

Plasma - Rich, Poor, Concentrated. This month's newsletter looks at some of the less commonly used components of blood. Two of the three spotlight articles look at PPP and acute injuries - The main blog post focuses its attention on Concentrating Plasma: A worthwhile endeavor or a fool's errand?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and Combination Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis (KOA)

In recent years, Orthobiologics therapies such as PRP and HA Viscosupplementation injections have gained popularity as alternatives to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections (CSIs) to treating KOA. Some clinicians have also explored combining these treatments to enhance outcomes. This blog post delves into the efficacy of PRP, HA and their combination in treating KOA, examining clinical evidence to determine the most effective approach.

The Patient's Guide to Optimal Orthobiologic Recovery Through Nutrition

Optimizing outcomes from Orthobiologic therapies relies on delivering the right nutrients to the body at the right time. These therapies depend on the body's natural ability to repair and regenerate tissue, which can be enhanced through strategic nutrient timing and targeted dietary support. This blog post outlines protocols for nutrient timing, dietary adjustments and supplement integration to promote optimal tissue regeneration during the post-Orthobiologic phase.

Summarizing the latest Meta-Analysis for PRP Dosing Across several Musculoskeletal Conditions

The systematic review & meta-analysis published in Current Review in Musculoskeletal Medicine in July 2024 compared outcomes across a range of platelet dosing and, once again, demonstrated that dose is the critical factor in the efficacy of PRP. The study goes into great detail, outlining specific dosing requirements based on the underlying pathology. Our latest blog post summarizes this groundbreaking study, led by Dr. William Berrigan of UCSF, a PLYMOUTH MEDICAL client, and organizes the findings by indication.

Understanding the Key Differences Between Radial Pressure Wave Therapy (EPAT) and Focused Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)

This blog delves into the similarities and differences between radial and focused therapies. Understanding the nuances of these treatments will enable you to make an informed decision when recommending the most suitable approach for your patients' specific needs.

Unraveling the Complexities of Leukocytes in PRP: Macrophage Plasticity and its Implications for Tissue Repair and Regeneration

This blog post aims to better understand the different white cell populations that are often injected with platelets (PLTs) in everyday cell therapies and questions "old school" PRP nomenclature while diving deeper on macrophage plasticity and its effect on tissue repair and regeneration in Orthobiologics.

Introducing the NEW EmCyte PurePRP TWO PRP System

The current market has a variety of PRP systems: some much more capable than others. EmCyte has long been the top performing system available in terms of its ability to capture platelets and deliver a customizable injectate for a variety of pathologies. Despite long being the market leader in PRP cell capture, PLYMOUTH MEDICAL has always strived to improve and deliver best in class products Which has led to this: The Introduction of the New and Improved PurePRP TWO Double Spin System.

Long-Lasting Benefits of High Volume Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis

PRP is a regenerative therapy that has been steadily gaining traction due to its potential for relieving pain and improving joint function in patients suffering from KOA. However, the adoption of PRP as a standard treatment has been hindered by the variations in the preparation and administration of the therapy in clinical settings. A recent study has shed new light on this issue, providing compelling real-world evidence of the effectiveness of standardized, high volume injections of very pure PRP in managing KOA.

Best Practices for Integrating Orthobiologics into your Clinical Practice

Integrating Orthobiologics into your practice can offer many clinically superior benefits to your patients and can also mitigate the diminishing returns most are experiencing from insurance-based procedures. The following are a handful of best practices that you can follow in order to ensure your team is leveraging these treatments effectively and safely. As the leading supplier of Orthobiologics devices and solutions, PLYMOUTH MEDICAL discusses the key considerations of integrating Orthobiologics into your practice in this blogpost.

Consensus Achieved on Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatments for Musculoskeletal Pathology: A Comprehensive Analysis

Over the years, the medical community has seen a surge in the use of PRP treatments, especially in the fields of orthopedics and pain management. This form of treatment has particularly gained traction in addressing various musculoskeletal pathologies. Recently, a group of experts achieved a consensus on a majority of statements concerning PRP treatments for musculoskeletal pathology. Find out what experts agree on when it comes to PRP in MSK pathologies.

Nitronox

How Nitronox® Nitrous Analgesia Can Help Increase Patient Satisfaction

Help your patients relax and reduce anxiety while increasing procedure throughput. Nitronox® nitrous oxide analgesia can be an effective anxiolytic for a variety of medical and dental procedures. Nitronox® nitrous oxide analgesia is ideal for short, minimally invasive and non-invasive medical procedures where there is a need for pain management or minimal sedation.

Cell Counts and Why They Matter

With an increased understanding of the importance of cell counts in Orthobiologics, we look back at Dr. Gerard Malanga’s final IOF presentation on PRP cell counts and their importance in patient care. It’s been a year since we have all lost a leading light in our field, so our team wanted to commemorate his passing to hone in on his message

EmCyte VS RegenLab

Using an underdosed PRP can lead to lackluster and subclinical outcomes, misrepresenting the success of non-invasive and cost-effective treatments for patients who wish to delay or avoid surgery for a variety of reasons; some patients don’t have the ability to take time off for surgery or prefer to avoid the risk of possible postoperative complications. This blog post compares the RegenLab’s PRP kits (RegenKit-THT) with the EmCyte’s PRP systems and discusses how a sufficient platelet dose can impact clinical results

Single vs Multiple Injections of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) - What Works Best?

Is there a difference in effectiveness when comparing single vs multiple PRP injection protocols for knee OA? How many injections are needed before a therapeutic effect is observed?

What is ‘X-Factor’ When Discussing PRP & Why Does It Matter?

Learn the importance of the ‘X-Factor’ when discussing PRP and how you can ensure the PRP you are providing your patients is sufficiently concentrated.

Pain Management During Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections

Looking to reduce your patient’s discomfort during PRP injections? Learn what the research has to say about using local anesthetics in conjunction with PRP and how that may impact overall efficacy.

Optimal Dose for Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) & Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)

Not all PRP or BMAC is equal. The currently available commercial PRP and BMAC kits on the market vary significantly when it comes to the PLT/MSC dose. But what is the optimal dose for PRP and BMAC? The summarized clinical studies in our review indicate that the optimal dose is higher than what most of the commercial PRP and BMAC kits yield.

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FDA Compliance - EmCyte Concentrating Kits

Recently, the FDA issued a new letter “Advancing the Development of Safe and Effective Regenerative Medicine Products” by Peter Marks MD PhD, the Director for the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. This letter may have triggered some questions regarding the FDA’s intent to enforce their regulations for human cell, tissue, and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps). Find out why this FDA guidance does not apply to our EmCyte Concentrating Kits.

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How to price PRP treatments?

The first question usually asked by a prospective patient considering PRP is, “How much will this cost me?” Make sure to consider your response as thoughtfully as you did when implementing a PRP program in your practice.

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Which anticoagulant is best for PRP?

When choosing an anticoagulant for homebrew PRP formulations, consider the following: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood-derived product in which platelets are concentrated to at least five times whole blood concentrations to achieve therapeutic benefits.

Quality Control in Orthobiologics: Cell Counting and Registries

When we founded Plymouth Medical 8 years ago, there wasn’t any clear consensus on the use of autologous biologics for the various MSK or aesthetic indications for which PRP or autologous stem cell therapies were being injected. Unfortunately, there isn’t a great deal more consensus today.

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Bone Marrow Concentration: What is being concentrated?

Are you being told you don’t need to concentrate Bone Marrow Aspirate? If so, please read this article and do your best to find in vivo peer reviewed data to substantiate the use of Bone Marrow Aspirate without concentration.

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Regenerative Medicine Education Textbook

If you are interested in finding out more about Regenerative Medicine for Sports and Orthopedic Medicine, we strongly encourage you to purchase this book which was authored by the late Victor Ibrahim, MD and Gerard A. Malanga, MD of NJ Regenerative Institute.