AmnioFix
Body’s Repair System
Injuries to soft tissues often occur by trauma or overuse of the affected region, leading to micro tears and inflammation.
When tissues in your body are damaged, your body signals growth factors to help in the healing and regeneration of the damaged tissue cells. Amniotic membranes have been in use for over 100 years for the repair of damaged tissues because it contains growth factors.
What is AmnioFix®?
AmnioFix® is a brand of human amniotic membrane graft. The amniotic membrane is the sac in which a baby develops in his/her mother’s womb. It is usually discarded after birth.
AmnioFix® contains growth factors with the following abilities:
- Platelet-derived growth factor A and B (PDGF A and B): signal stem cells for tissue repair
- Fibroblast growth factor (FGF): initiates the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the damage site
- Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β): increases musculoskeletal connective tissue
- Epidermal growth factors: initiates the growth of connective tissue
AmnioFix is supplied in powder form and can be delivered through an injection.
Indications of AmnioFix
AmnioFix has applications in dental, eye and orthopedic surgeries as well as in wound care. It is indicated for
Tendon or soft tissue injuries such as
- Sprains
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- When conservative treatments such as bracing, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy have failed to offer relief
- As an alternative to steroids when you cannot have more steroid injections
- As an alternative to surgery
The growth factors in AmnioFix help in
- Reducing inflammation
- Reducing scar tissue formation
- Enhancing the healing of micro-tears in soft tissues
AmnioFix® Procedure
The amniotic membrane in AmnioFix is donated by healthy consenting mothers who are scheduled to undergo a cesarean section. The extracted tissue is thoroughly cleaned and preserved by the PURION® Process. The steps involved are cleansing, drying and electron-beam sterilization.
The AmnioFix® injection process is done in an outpatient setting and does not take long to perform.
What Will I Experience following the AmnioFix® Procedure?
You may initially experience soreness and discomfort at the site of injection, which usually subsides in 2-3 days. You may have redness and tenderness, which can be relieved by applying ice and elevating the associated limb.
How Safe is AmnioFix®?
The extraction of AmnioFix from the amniotic membrane is not associated with any ethical issues as it does not affect the delivery process or the baby and is given with the healthy mother’s consent.
This is a safe process as all donors are tested for infectious diseases.
