Treatment Pyramid
Modern orthopedics uses a stepwise approach: from simple to complex. Each step is applied when the previous one is insufficient.
Step 1: Basic Therapy
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, diclofenac), muscle relaxants, analgesics. Physiotherapy, exercise therapy, massage. Orthoses and braces. Activity modification. Effective for acute conditions and mild chronic cases. Limitation: does not eliminate the cause, only symptoms.
Step 2: Injection Therapy
Corticosteroids (temporary effect 2-6 weeks). Hyaluronic acid (lubrication for 3-6 months). PRP (stimulation for 6-12 months). Limitation: does not regenerate tissue, cortisone destroys.
Step 3: MIBRAR (regenerative medicine)
CGF + Lipogems®: true tissue regeneration with stem cells. The only method that restores cartilage, discs, tendons at the cellular level. Lifelong effect. Outpatient, without general anesthesia.
Step 4: Surgery
Arthroscopy, decompression, spinal fusion, joint replacement. Indicated when conservative treatment is ineffective or for absolute indications.
Comparison by Diseases
Herniated Disc
Conservatively (steps 1-3)
85-90% of herniations are treated without surgery. Basic therapy 4-6 weeks. If ineffective: epidural injections, then MIBRAR (disc regeneration). Indications: herniations up to 10-12 mm without paresis.
Surgically
10-15% of herniations. Absolute indications: cauda equina syndrome, progressive paresis. Relative: conservative treatment ineffective > 6-12 weeks, unbearable pain.
Knee Osteoarthritis (Gonarthrosis)
Conservatively (steps 1-3)
Stages 1-3: weight loss, exercise therapy, NSAIDs. If ineffective: GC/PRP, then MIBRAR (cartilage regeneration). Arthroscopic debridement proven ineffective (Moseley 2002, Kirkley 2008).
Surgically
Stage 4 (bone-on-bone): joint replacement. Average age for prosthesis: 65-70 years. Prosthesis lifespan: 15-20 years. MIBRAR provides full regeneration, making prosthesis unnecessary in most cases.
Rotator Cuff Tear
Conservatively (steps 1-3)
Partial tears, small full tears in patients > 60 years without high functional demands. Exercise therapy + MIBRAR (tendon regeneration). Effectiveness for partial tears: 85%.
Surgically
Full tears > 3 cm with retraction, young patients, athletes. Arthroscopic repair + MIBRAR to improve healing (re-tear rate decreases from 30% to 10%).
Epicondylitis
Conservatively (steps 1-3)
95% of cases. Rest, brace, NSAIDs, eccentric exercises. For chronic: MIBRAR (tendon regeneration). Corticosteroids NOT recommended (worsens long-term prognosis).
Surgically
5% — if ineffective > 12 months. Nirschl procedure (debridement). Unpredictable results, prolonged rehabilitation. MIBRAR significantly more effective.

