BMC contains cells that help regulate inflammation and support the body’s natural repair process. Placed precisely into damaged tissue under image guidance, it may improve joint function and reduce pain over time. It’s typically considered for more advanced degeneration or complex injuries where deeper regenerative support is warranted.

Adipose-derived stem cells are harvested from your own fat tissue and processed into a concentrated cellular product that helps regulate inflammation and support the body’s natural repair process. Placed precisely into damaged tissue under image guidance, they may improve joint function and reduce pain over time. Adipose-derived therapy is typically considered for more advanced degeneration or complex injuries where deeper regenerative support is warranted.

No. Products made from amniotic, placental, or Wharton’s jelly tissue do not contain living stem cells, despite how they’re marketed. Evidence-based orthopedic care uses your own stem cells, derived from bone marrow or fat, combined with your own growth factors and precise, image-guided placement. IOW does not offer donor “stem cell” products that lack live cells.

Watch for these red flags:

• Claims that treatments “cure” a serious disease
• Donor “stem cell” products that contain no live cells
• Injections performed without imaging guidance
• Pricing that seems too good to be true
• Providers without fellowship training in interventional orthopedics

Legitimate care is grounded in diagnostics, realistic expectations, and published evidence. IOW’s physicians are fellowship-trained in interventional orthopedics, and every injection — PRP, BMC, or adipose-derived — is placed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, never by feel. We welcome questions about where your cells come from and how they’re delivered.

Patients with joint, cartilage, tendon, or ligament damage who want to avoid or delay surgery may be candidates. It’s commonly considered for knee arthritis, cartilage defects, tendon injuries, ligament damage, and some spine-related issues, but it isn’t appropriate for every condition. IOW confirms candidacy with a consultation, imaging, and a review of what’s already been tried.

When performed using your own cells and image guidance, published research reports encouraging outcomes, though risks and results vary. A 2024 prospective cohort study in Scientific Reports followed 37 knees with severe osteoarthritis for four years: 35 improved, a 95% success rate, and none underwent knee replacement during follow-up. Because this was a small study without a control group, it does not establish that treatment will work for every patient. IOW reviews the realistic evidence for your specific condition during consultation.

For some patients, yes. Stem cells are often considered for knee osteoarthritis, cartilage wear, and certain meniscus or ligament injuries when the goal is to preserve the joint and avoid or delay replacement or surgery. It works best for moderate degeneration rather than end-stage, bone-on-bone arthritis. Imaging and an exam determine whether your knee is a good fit and whether PRP, BMC, or adipose-derived cells is the better tool.

Stem cell therapy from fat or bone marrow usually costs more than PRP because collecting and processing the tissue is a more involved procedure. Exact pricing depends on your condition and treatment plan and is shared as a full breakdown after consultation. Many patients find the cost lower than expected for the level of diagnostics and image-guided care involved.