Stem Cell Therapy
What is it? Stem cells are immature cells that have the ability to grow into many different types of cells. In sports medicine, stem cells are harvested and then injected into an injured area, says Jonathan Finnoff, D.O., professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Mayo Clinic and Medical Director of the Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Center in Minneapolis. While PRP therapy stimulates the healing process of tissue that is already there, stem cells may create new tissue. This is why researchers and physicians think this therapy may help joint injuries caused by worn-out cartilage; in cell cultures, stem cells can grow new cartilage, and if this can happen in a joint, it may prevent the need for a joint replacement. Bone marrow is generally harvested from the hip using an incision and specialized needle capable of penetrating bone. Then, similar to PRP therapy, the bone marrow is centrifuged to separate the stem cells and platelets, which are injected, under ultrasound guidance, into the injured area.
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