Adult Stem Cells

What are Stem Cell Orthopedic Injections?

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate, often referred to as BMC, is an autologous stem cell therapy gaining popularity as an orthopedic treatment. This form of therapy has been shown in clinical studies to accelerate the body’s healing process and promote tissue regeneration.

This form of stem cell therapy is called ‘autologous’ because it utilizes an individual’s own adult stem cells instead of the highly controversial fetal stem cells. By using a patient’s own stem cells, the risk of infection and immune rejection is significantly reduced.

Common Uses of Stem Cell Therapy

Dr. Matthew Provencher offers stem cell orthopedic injections to patients of numerous ages who have experienced a sports injury or are suffering from a chronic joint condition. Common orthopedic uses include:

• Muscle injuries
• Tendon injuries
• Cartilage injuries
• Degenerative joint conditions, most commonly osteoarthritis

The Harvesting of Adult Stem Cells

Many individuals are not aware of the large number of adult stem cells found naturally in the body’s bone marrow. The harvesting of these stem cells must be performed by Dr. Provencher prior to the stem cell orthopedic injections.

Dr. Provencher begins this regenerative medicine treatment by removing a sample of bone marrow from the patient. This is most commonly drawn from the back of the pelvis. Once the bone marrow is harvested, it is spun in a centrifuge to separate the patient’s blood into a combination of platelets, adult stem cells, white blood cells and red blood cells. The healing combination of adult stem cells, white blood cells and platelets are then injected directly into the injured tissue to accelerate healing and promote regeneration.

It is important to note that patients over the age of 60 years may benefit more from using allograft (donor) stem cells derived from amniotic fluid. This is because the body’s ability to produce adult stem cells begins to diminish around the age of 60. Dr. Provencher and his orthopedic team will provide more details on this treatment option on an individual basis.

To learn more about the affects of biologics in sports medicine, please visit the biologic research section of our website: Biologic Research.

To learn more about the healing abilities of adult stem cells, or to determine if you are a candidate for stem cell orthopedic injections, please contact the  orthopedic office of Dr. Matthew Provencher, serving patients from the surrounding communities of Denver, Vail and Aspen, Colorado.