What Stem Cell Therapy Means in Orthopedics
"Stem cell therapy" is a broad term that refers to any treatment containing cells capable of developing into specialized tissue. In orthopedic medicine, several commercially available and physician-prepared products contain stem cells, progenitor cells, or related biologic components. These treatments are part of a larger category called orthobiologics - injectable therapies that use biologic material to support the body's own repair processes in damaged joints, tendons, ligaments, and discs.
No single product is universally called "the" stem cell treatment. Instead, patients and physicians choose from several options based on the source of the biologic material, the condition being treated, and the clinical evidence available. The treatments below represent the orthobiologic options available at Key West Concierge Orthopedics that contain or relate to stem-cell biology.
BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate)
BMAC is the orthobiologic most closely associated with stem cell therapy. A small sample of bone marrow is drawn from the patient's own pelvis and concentrated using a centrifuge. The resulting injection contains mesenchymal stem cells, progenitor cells, platelets, and growth factors in higher concentrations than the starting sample.
Because BMAC comes from your own body (autologous), there is no risk of immune rejection or disease transmission from a donor. The entire procedure is performed in-office under local anesthesia. BMAC is commonly used for knee osteoarthritis, hip osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, and cartilage injuries. Learn more about BMAC
Adipose Allograft Injections
Adipose allograft uses processed adipose (fat) tissue from screened donors. Adipose tissue is one of the richest natural sources of mesenchymal stem cells in the body, and these products are processed to preserve the structural and cellular components that support tissue repair.
Adipose allografts are FDA-regulated under the human cells, tissues, and cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/P) framework. They offer a same-day, single-injection option without requiring a bone marrow aspiration from the patient. Adipose allografts are used for joint arthritis, chronic tendon injuries, and soft tissue conditions. Learn more about adipose allograft
ReNu, AmnioFix, and Clarix Flo
Several injectable treatments are derived from donated human amniotic tissue obtained after planned cesarean deliveries. These products contain growth factors, cytokines, extracellular matrix components, and other biologic signals that may support tissue repair and modulate inflammation. While they are not stem cell products in the traditional sense, they belong to the same family of regenerative orthobiologics.
- ReNu - A cryopreserved amniotic suspension allograft designed for joint injection. Contains hyaluronic acid and growth factors from amniotic fluid and tissue.
- AmnioFix - A dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allograft used for tendon, ligament, and soft tissue applications.
- Clarix Flo - A cryopreserved umbilical cord and amniotic membrane product that provides an extracellular matrix scaffold along with growth factors.
PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is not a stem cell treatment, but it is frequently used alongside or as an alternative to stem-cell-related therapies. PRP concentrates platelets and growth factors from a simple blood draw and can be combined with BMAC or used on its own for conditions like tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and mild to moderate joint arthritis. Learn more about PRP
Conditions Commonly Treated
Orthobiologic and stem-cell-related treatments are used for a range of musculoskeletal conditions. The specific product recommended depends on your diagnosis, imaging findings, and treatment goals.
How Treatment Works
All of the treatments described above are performed in-office and do not require general anesthesia or an operating room. Injections are placed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to ensure precise delivery to the target tissue. Most patients return to normal daily activity within 24 to 48 hours, though your physician will provide a recovery timeline specific to your treatment and condition.
During your consultation, your physician will review your diagnosis, imaging, and goals to recommend the orthobiologic approach best suited to your situation. In some cases, a combination of products may be recommended. For detailed cost information, visit our pricing and insurance page.
Frequently Asked Questions
BMAC uses your own bone marrow, so the cells and growth factors come directly from your body. Amniotic tissue products (ReNu, AmnioFix, Clarix Flo) use donated tissue that has been processed and screened. Both categories contain biologic components that support healing, but they differ in cell source, preparation, and regulatory classification. Your physician will help determine which option fits your condition.
BMAC is prepared at the point of care from the patient's own tissue and falls under the practice of medicine. Amniotic and adipose allograft products are regulated by the FDA under the HCT/P framework (Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act) and must meet requirements for donor screening, processing, and labeling. None of these products have received FDA approval as drugs for specific orthopedic indications, which is common across the regenerative medicine field. Your physician can discuss the regulatory status and clinical evidence for each option.
The best treatment depends on your specific diagnosis, the severity of the condition, your overall health, and your goals. A consultation includes a review of your imaging and medical history so your physician can recommend the most appropriate option or combination of options.
Most orthobiologic and regenerative treatments are not covered by insurance. Transparent pricing for each treatment is available on our pricing and insurance page. Costs can be discussed during your consultation so there are no surprises.
Yes. Many patients travel to Key West specifically for orthobiologic care at Key West Concierge Orthopedics. Most treatments can be completed in a single visit, and Key West's warm climate and walkable downtown make recovery comfortable. Visit the traveling for treatment page or the travel planner for logistics.