Stem cells are both in and out. It was once thought that if these cells were injected into joints, they would turn into cartilage. Two problems arose. First, patients (unless they are infants) have very few stem cells left. Second, the injected cells died after releasing their instructional growth factors, never turning into cartilage. But what we have learned is that an increasing number of concentrated growth factors, immune stimulants, and even some drugs can induce the migration of the body’s own progenitor cells—some of them stem cells—cells that direct healing—to the injured area. These cells then optimize the environment around the injury to effect healing.

Artificial knee replacement surgery used to mean the reduction of sports activities like golf, swimming, and cycling. Yet with severe arthritis affecting younger and younger people, we are currently pushing the envelope of sports participation with joint replacements and learning as we go.

If we live longer, will our joints still work? While many diseases can kill you, arthritis has the potential to ruin your long life.

The Z-Lig™ ACLR Device, invented by Kevin R. Stone, M.D. and subsequently developed by Aperion Biologics, has been cleared for marketing and distribution in the European Union and other markets which recognize the CE Mark.

When skiing superstar Lindsey Vonn recently announced her withdrawal from the Winter Olympics, she demonstrated that reconstructing the torn anterior cruciate ligament of a world-class athlete has its unique problems.

A recent study suggested that meniscus surgery doesn't help. Studies can be misleading. Even small losses of meniscus tissue lead to big changes in force concentration on the tibia (shin bone) and eventually arthritis.

We like to do everything possible to rebuild the knee joint with biologic tissues rather than artificial materials to help delay the time in which an artificial joint replacement is necessary.

Knees do not necessarily wear out evenly, sometimes one part of the knee is perfectly fine while another part is completely destroyed. If only part of the knee joint is worn out, why replace all of it?