Regenerative Medicine

Injections of platelet-rich plasma and related preparations from your own blood or tissue to support healing of tendons and joints, as an alternative or complement to surgery.

Biologic Treatments

Evidence-first evaluation of stem cell-based and other biologic treatments for tendon, ligament, cartilage and joint conditions, with honest guidance on what the research supports.

Regenerative Medicine

Repair or reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament on the inner side of the knee for severe tears, persistent instability and combined ligament injuries.

MCL Reconstruction

Reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament with a tendon graft to stop recurrent kneecap dislocations and restore patellar stability.

MPFL Reconstruction

Surgical reattachment of a torn quadriceps or patellar tendon to the kneecap so the knee can straighten and bear weight again.

Quad and Patellar Tendon Repair

Realignment surgery through the tibia or femur, or repositioning of the tibial tubercle, to unload damaged cartilage, correct kneecap tracking and preserve the natural knee.

Knee Osteotomy

Repair or reconstruction of two or more torn knee ligaments, including the ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL and posterolateral corner, after high-energy injuries and knee dislocations.

Multi-Ligament Knee Reconstruction

Arthroscopic repair of a superior labral tear where the biceps tendon anchors to the shoulder socket, for deep shoulder pain, clicking and overhead symptoms.

SLAP Repair

Releasing the damaged long head of the biceps tendon from inside the shoulder and anchoring it to the upper arm bone to relieve front-of-shoulder pain while preserving biceps strength.

Biceps Tenodesis

Stabilization or ligament reconstruction of the acromioclavicular joint after a severe shoulder separation, when the collarbone will not stay in place on its own.

AC Joint Surgery

Treatment of collarbone fractures, from sling care to plate-and-screw fixation (ORIF) for displaced, shortened or slow-healing breaks.

Clavicle Fracture Repair

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Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

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Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330

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What it is

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine covers biologic approaches that may support natural healing.

They are being studied for tendons, ligaments, cartilage and joints, including osteoarthritis, chronic tendon disorders and certain sports injuries.Stem cell-based preparations may come from bone marrow, fat or other sources. Preparation and administration vary widely, and these products are not interchangeable.

Performed by

Kevin Christensen, MD, Knee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. ChristensenKnee, Shoulder and Sports Medicine

J. Ryan Taylor, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. TaylorShoulder and Sports Medicine

Michael Carlson, MD, Shoulder and Sports Medicine surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. CarlsonShoulder and Sports Medicine

Jeffrey Wallentine, MD, Joint Replacement surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. WallentineJoint Replacement

or call801-640-0000

Regenerative Medicine

Who It Helps

Patients looking for alternatives to surgery, or for another option when conservative care has not given enough relief.Effectiveness varies by condition, and many applications remain investigational.Our approach emphasizes careful patient selection, realistic expectations, and treatments supported by the best available scientific evidence.

Regenerative Medicine

What to Expect

Your evaluation reviews your symptoms, history, exam and imaging.Your surgeon lays out the established options first: physical therapy, medication, injections, and surgery when appropriate.Many stem cell products marketed for orthopedic conditions are not FDA approved and have not shown consistent benefit in high-quality studies. Where appropriate, a regulated clinical trial may be discussed.The evaluation happens at our Provo or Orem clinic, and if a treatment is appropriate we explain the preparation, the cost and the evidence before anything is scheduled. All eight Ridgeline surgeons provide this treatment in clinic, in Provo and Orem.

Regenerative Medicine

Recovery Timeline

Recovery depends on the procedure and whether tissue was harvested.The first week may bring soreness or swelling at the injection or harvest site. Normal activity resumes over weeks two to six alongside rehabilitation for the underlying condition.Any improvement tends to develop gradually and is reassessed at two to three months. There is no established healing response for many stem cell-based treatments.

Milestones

Days 1 to 7Soreness, swelling possible

Week 2 to 6Resume activity, rehab

Month 2 to 3Reassess response

Month 3 to 6Monitor, consider next step

Regenerative Medicine

Risks and Considerations

Risks include infection, bleeding, pain, inflammatory reactions, contamination, and complications from tissue harvesting.The safety and effectiveness of some commercial cell-based products remain uncertain.Stem cell injections have not been reliably shown to regenerate cartilage, reverse arthritis, or restore badly damaged tendons and ligaments. Be cautious of anyone promising tissue regeneration or guaranteed results.

Regenerative Medicine

Your Surgeons

All eight Ridgeline surgeons evaluate regenerative options in clinic, in Provo and Orem, with the goal of preserving joint function and helping you decide between current and emerging treatments.

Dr. Christensen, MD

Andrews Institute sports medicine fellowship under Dr. James Andrews. Board certified in orthopedic surgery and orthopedic sports medicine. Fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Taylor, MD

Dual fellowship trained in sports medicine and in shoulder and elbow surgery. Former Division I football player.

Dr. Carlson, MD

Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip and ankle. Published sports medicine researcher. Fourteen years in practice.

Dr. Wallentine, MD

Thirty-four years in practice. Mako robotic-assisted hip and knee replacement. Stanford sports medicine fellowship. BYU athletics team surgeon.

Regenerative Medicine

Your Surgeons, Continued

Dr. Hoopes, MD

Fellowship trained in foot and ankle surgery at the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Center. Twelve years in practice.

Dr. Johnson, MD

Weill Cornell graduate, hand fellowship at Allegheny General. Twenty-one years in practice and seventeen as a collegiate team physician.

Dr. Frazier, DO

Fellowship trained in hand and upper extremity surgery at the University of Pittsburgh. Seventeen years in practice. Fluent in Spanish.

Dr. Peterson, DO

Hand surgery fellowship at UMass Chan. Office-based, wide-awake carpal tunnel release. Fifteen years in practice. Speaks German.

Regenerative Medicine

Related Procedures and Conditions

Biologic Treatments

Cartilage Restoration

or call801-640-0000

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330