Autologous conditioned serum is similar to platelet rich plasma (PRP) but is more effective in the management of osteoarthritis symptoms.

A patient’s own blood is collected in a syringe containing glass beads that have been exposed to chromium sulfate. This increases the amount of growth factor and anti-inflammatory cytokines compared to PRP.

Autologous conditioned serum has been shown to improve pain, stiffness, and functional scores in patients with grade 2-3 osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. It is commonly used in the management of osteoarthritis of other joints (shoulder, elbow, ankle etc).

Autologous conditioned serum’s positive effects last an average of 9-12 months, though we see patients with over 2 years of symptom relief following these injections.

Autologous conditioned serum has been shown to be more effective than PRP and Hyaluronic acid (Synvisc, Durolane etc) in the management of osteoarthritis symptoms.