Regenerative Medicine

Orthobiologics, also known as regenerative medicine, was a term coined at the beginning of the 21st century to describe medicine that uses natural substances from the body to help repair, regenerate, and restore function to damaged tissues. The term came about as scientists in regenerative medicine began to think more about regenerating damaged tissue and stimulating that regeneration, rather than just focusing on joint reconstruction and fracture fixture. This field has gained significant attention in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, which includes conditions affecting bones, muscles, tendons, and joints.

Orthobiologics includes a broad spectrum of treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), micro-fragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) and shockwave therapy. These treatments are increasingly being used to address various orthopedic conditions, such as supporting natural healing, supporting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation. For instance, these therapies can support the body’s capacity to recover from repetitive use injuries like strains to ligaments or tendons, cartilage damage, or even fractures, as well as ease pain and other osteoarthritis symptoms. These therapies present viable alternatives or complements to traditional surgical interventions and pain management approaches.

As an expert of the full spectrum of musculoskeletal care, Dr. Shipley can guide the patient through all phases of the disease. Many patients are surprised to hear that Dr. Shipley emphasizes non-surgical treatment if surgery can be avoided.

Blood is mostly liquid, but it also contains important components like platelets, which are best known for helping blood clot. However, platelets have another powerful function: they contain proteins called growth factors that are crucial for healing injuries. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment that involves taking a small amount of your own blood, concentrating the platelets, and then injecting this solution into an injured area. When PRP is injected, the growth factors are released directly into the damaged tissue, boosting your body’s natural healing process. This can encourage cell growth and tissue repair, offering a promising way to recover from injuries without the need for surgery. For many people, PRP might be a great option to consider before exploring surgical solutions

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (Bmac)

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate, or BMAC, is an advanced orthobiologic option that uses a patient’s own bone marrow obtained during the same procedure. The aspirate contains a naturally occurring mixture of cells and signaling molecules found within bone marrow. After a minimally invasive aspiration, typically from the pelvis, the sample is processed to concentrate these components. The prepared BMAC is then injected into the area of concern under precise guidance.

In orthopedics and sports medicine, BMAC is considered an investigational treatment that may be appropriate for select patients who want to explore biologic approaches as part of a broader strategy to support joint or soft tissue health. While outcomes vary and research continues to evolve, many patients value the opportunity to use their own tissue in a procedure designed to support comfort, function, and overall movement goals. At Form and Function Orthopaedics, we help each patient determine whether BMAC fits their condition, activity level, and long-term treatment plan.

Stem cells are unique cells that have the potential to develop into different types of specialized cells. Their ability to signal and influence surrounding tissues has made them an area of significant scientific interest. Early theories suggested that injected stem cells might directly replace damaged tissue, such as cartilage. However, current evidence indicates that these cells rarely survive long enough after injection to become new, healthy tissue. Instead, the focus has shifted to their possible role in releasing signaling molecules that may influence the local environment.

Research in regenerative medicine is ongoing, and many stem cell applications remain in clinical investigation. Studies continue to evaluate whether certain stem cell–based approaches may have a role in specific medical conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries. Only a small number of stem cell therapies have received FDA approval, and these approvals apply to blood-forming stem cells used for disorders of the blood and immune system. Stem cell treatments for orthopedic conditions have not been approved at this time.

The FDA closely regulates stem cell products to ensure patient safety, particularly in cases where treatments are marketed before appropriate studies have been completed. Patients should be cautious when encountering broad claims about tissue regeneration, disease reversal, or guaranteed outcomes.

At Form and Function Orthopaedics, our role is to help patients understand what is supported by current evidence and what remains investigational. While we do not offer stem cell therapy, we provide comprehensive evaluations and discuss advanced orthobiologic options such as Platelet Rich Plasma, Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate, and microfragmented adipose tissue. These autologous treatments use a patient’s own tissue and follow FDA guidelines for minimal manipulation and same-day use. They may be considered for select patients who want to explore biologic strategies within a safe and well-regulated framework.

Our priority is safety, clarity, and thoughtful guidance grounded in orthopedic expertise.

Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT)

In select patients, we offer microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT), an advanced orthobiologic option for individuals who want to explore biologic strategies that use their own tissue. MFAT is created by taking a small sample of a patient’s fat tissue, usually from the abdomen or flank, and processing it in the same procedure with FDA-compliant minimal-manipulation techniques. This produces a concentrated tissue product that maintains the natural structural and cellular components of fat without enzymatic digestion or cell isolation.

The prepared MFAT is then injected under image guidance into the area of concern. Although MFAT remains investigational for orthopedic use, many patients appreciate the opportunity to use their own tissue in a procedure designed to support comfort, mobility, and overall joint or soft tissue function. MFAT is often considered by patients who want options beyond medication or surgery and prefer a biologic approach that aligns with their activity goals.

We provide MFAT within FDA guidance for autologous, minimally manipulated tissues, with an emphasis on safety, thoughtful use, and evidence-informed decision making.

A personalized consultation will help determine whether MFAT is appropriate for your condition and goals, and how it may fit into a comprehensive plan to support long-term movement and performance.