APS (Autologous Protein Solution) Injection Singapore

Autologous Protein Solution (APS) injection is a regenerative procedure that uses proteins derived from a patient’s own blood to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis. The procedure involves drawing blood from the patient, processing it to concentrate beneficial proteins and growth factors, and then injecting this solution into the affected joint. APS therapy helps reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and potentially slow the progression of joint degeneration by utilising the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

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Dr Dennis Ng Zhaowen
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Indications for APS Injections

APS injections may be recommended for patients suffering from various conditions that have not responded adequately to conventional treatments.

  • Knee Osteoarthritis: Patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who experience persistent pain despite conservative management may benefit from APS therapy. The injection can help address the inflammatory component of osteoarthritis.
  • Hip Osteoarthritis: Individuals with degenerative changes in the hip joint who wish to delay surgical intervention might be candidates for APS injections. The treatment targets the inflammatory process in the hip joint.
  • Shoulder Arthritis: Patients with glenohumeral joint arthritis experiencing pain and limited function may receive APS injections. The concentrated proteins work to modulate inflammation within the shoulder joint.
  • Tendon Injuries: Chronic tendinopathies, such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendinopathy, that have not resolved with rest and physical therapy may respond to APS therapy. The growth factors in APS can support tissue repair processes.
  • Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Joints that have developed arthritis following an injury or trauma may be treated with APS injections. The biological treatment can help manage symptoms in these affected joints.

Benefits of APS Injection Therapy

APS injection therapy offers several advantages for patients seeking non-surgical management of their conditions.

  • Utilisation of the Body’s Own Healing Factors
    APS therapy leverages the patient’s own biological materials to promote healing. The concentrated solution contains proteins that can help modulate inflammation and support tissue repair.
  • Minimally Invasive Approach
    The procedure requires only needle insertion and avoids the need for surgical incisions. Patients can typically return to their normal activities within a day of receiving the injection.
  • Reduced Medication Dependence
    Many patients report decreased reliance on pain medications following APS treatment. The biological approach may provide longer-lasting relief compared to oral anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Potential to Delay Surgery
    For patients with early to moderate joint degeneration, APS injections may postpone the need for more invasive surgical procedures. The therapy aims to address symptoms while preserving joint function.
  • Targeted Treatment
    The injection delivers therapeutic proteins directly to the affected area. This localised delivery system allows for concentrated action at the site of inflammation or tissue damage.

Preparing for the Procedure

Medical Assessment

A comprehensive evaluation determines if the patient is a suitable candidate for APS therapy. This assessment includes reviewing medical history, examining the affected joint, and possibly ordering diagnostic imaging to assess joint condition.

Medication Review

Certain medications, particularly blood thinners and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may need to be temporarily discontinued before the procedure. The patient will be advised on which medications to adjust and when these changes should be made.

Hydration Guidelines

Patients are advised to be well-hydrated before the procedure to facilitate blood collection. Drinking plenty of water in the 24 hours before the appointment helps ensure adequate blood volume for processing.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Blood Collection

The procedure begins with the withdrawal of approximately 60-120 ml of blood from the patient’s arm vein using standard phlebotomy techniques. This blood sample serves as the source material for the autologous protein solution.

Centrifugation Process

The collected blood undergoes a two-stage centrifugation process using specialised equipment. The first spin separates red blood cells, while the second concentrates platelets and beneficial proteins into a small volume of plasma.

Solution Preparation

After centrifugation, the concentrated solution is carefully extracted and prepared for injection. This processing takes approximately 30 minutes and is performed in the clinical setting while the patient waits.

Joint Preparation

The target joint area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce infection risk. Depending on the joint being treated, ultrasound guidance may be used to ensure accurate placement of the injection.

Administration of Injection

The prepared APS is injected directly into the affected joint space. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes to complete after the solution has been prepared.

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Post-Procedure Care and Recovery

Initial Rest Period

Patients are advised to rest the treated joint for 24-48 hours after the injection. This initial rest phase allows the therapeutic proteins to work within the joint without disruption from excessive activity.

Gradual Activity Resumption

After the initial rest period, normal activities can be resumed gradually. A progressive return to movement helps maintain joint mobility while respecting the healing process.

Follow-up Assessment

A follow-up appointment typically occurs 4-6 weeks after the procedure. This visit allows for evaluation of treatment response and determination of whether additional interventions may be needed.

Potential Risks and Complications

APS injection is generally well tolerated, as it uses the patient’s own blood products. However, patients may experience temporary pain or swelling at the injection site. Some individuals report mild soreness at the blood draw site. There is a low risk of infection at either the blood collection or injection sites. Joint inflammation may temporarily increase in the days following the procedure before improvement begins. Allergic reactions are rarely observed since the material comes from the patient’s own body. The effects of APS injection may vary between individuals, with different levels of symptom relief reported.

WHY CHOOSE DR DENNIS NG

Effective & Evidence-Based Orthopaedic Care

Dr. Dennis Ng is dedicated to understanding your unique needs, focusing on restoring
your active lifestyle and overall well-being.

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Specialised Experience In Complex Procedures

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PATIENT-CENTRED & PERSONALISED APPROACH

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Dedicated Aftercare For Optimal Recovery

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AFFORDABLE & TRANSPARENT PRICING

Dr Dennis Ng Zhaowen

  • Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Specialist
MBBS (Singapore)
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MRCSEd
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MMED
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FRCSEdOrth (Gold Medal Award)

Before private practice, Dr Dennis Ng was the former Deputy Head of the Shoulder & Elbow Division and Sports Knee Division in National University Hospital.

He completed his fellowship at the prestigious Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Centre in London, Ontario, Canada, and has rich experience treating professional athletes and returning them to sports. 

Special areas of interests include keyhole and reconstructive procedures of the knee and ankle. 

Common procedures include ACL Reconstruction, Meniscus repair, Cartilage resurfacing, Knee preservation etc.

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    Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre

    38 Irrawaddy Road #08-41
    Singapore 329563

    Monday – Friday: 9am – 1pm; 2pm – 5pm
    Saturday: 9am – 1pm
    Sunday & PH: CLOSED

    Other Clinic Location

    Gleneagles Medical Center

    6 Napier Road #07-15
    Singapore 258499

    Monday – Friday: 9am – 1pm; 2pm – 5pm
    Saturday: 9am – 1pm
    Sunday & PH: CLOSED

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    When can I expect to feel the effects of an APS injection?

    Most patients begin to notice improvements in pain and function within 2-3 weeks after the injection. The full effects may continue to develop over 1-3 months as the inflammatory processes in the joint are modulated by the treatment.

    How many APS injections will I need?

    Typically, APS therapy involves a single injection session. However, based on individual response and the condition being treated, some patients may benefit from a repeat injection after 6-12 months if symptoms return.

    How does APS differ from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections?

    While both treatments use components from the patient’s own blood, APS specifically concentrates anti-inflammatory proteins and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, whereas PRP primarily focuses on concentrating platelets and growth factors. APS is specifically designed to address the inflammatory component of osteoarthritis.