Center for Regenerative Orthopedic Medicine

At NYU Langone’s Center for Regenerative Orthopedic Medicine, we offer the most advanced evidence-based biologics and other innovative therapies as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. 

Biologics are nonsurgical therapies often derived from blood, proteins, and other substances that occur naturally in the body. Biologic therapies stimulate the body to heal, regrow tissue, and reduce inflammation. This may lead to less pain, accelerated healing, and a quicker return to activities you enjoy. 

NYU Langone’s excellence in regenerative orthopedic medicine stems from our early and ongoing research investigating the safest and most effective treatments for patients. Our experts work to exceed rigorous quality and safety standards set by the state and federal government.

Backed by the technology, expertise, and resources of a world-class academic medical center, our team offers the most effective regenerative therapies as part of a total treatment plan for many musculoskeletal conditions, including the following:

• Achilles tendon injury
• ankle cartilage lesions
• bursitis and tendinitis
• elbow sprains and strains, including tennis and golfer’s elbow
• hip impingement syndrome
• hip labral tears
• knee articular cartilage injuries
• meniscus tears
• osteoarthritis of the ankle, hip, knee, and shoulder 
• plantar fasciitis
• shoulder labral tears
• tendinopathies of the ankle, including those of the posterior tibial tendon and the peroneal tendon
• rotator cuff tears

Platelet-rich plasma, stem cells, and hyaluronic acid—used separately or with other treatments—are the most common biologics we use in orthopedic care. We also offer innovative nonbiologic therapies to help speed healing, repair damaged tissues, and improve recovery after surgery. We take a personalized approach to every patient we treat, tailoring treatments to their specific condition.

Platelet-Rich Plasma

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a solution containing concentrated amounts of platelets, the cell fragments in blood that cause clotting. Platelets also stimulate healing by releasing substances called growth factors. When platelet-rich plasma is injected directly into tissue or an injured joint, it may speed healing.

Stem Cells

Stem cells are a special type of cell that can, under the right conditions, develop into other types of cell in the body, such as muscle, bone, or cartilage. When a serum containing concentrated amounts of stems cells is injected into diseased or damaged tissue, it reduces inflammation and may encourage tissue to heal and regrow.

Hyaluronic Acid

Healthy joints contain a thick liquid called synovial fluid, which keeps them lubricated and moving freely without pain. Hyaluronic acid is an important component of synovial fluid, giving it a thick consistency. When hyaluronic acid breaks down, which is a normal part of aging, the synovial fluid thins and is less able to effectively lubricate the joints. Our experts use a hyaluronic acid solution, injecting it directly into the joint, to treat osteoarthritis of the ankle, knee, hip, and shoulder. The hyaluronic acid rethickens the synovial fluid and improves the joint’s gliding motion, usually for several months.

Collagen Patches

For some conditions that require surgery—such as a rotator cuff tear or Achilles tendon injury—our experts may place a small patch of collagen-based material on the damaged tissue during surgery. Collagen is a plentiful protein in the body and a major component of ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Because your body uses collagen to repair these tissues, the use of a collagen patch may encourage healing and lessen pain after surgery.

Shock Wave Therapy

Our experts also use shock wave therapy, a noninvasive and nonbiologic treatment that focuses high-energy sound waves on damaged tissue, which in turn speeds healing. Shock wave therapy is used for conditions such as shoulder labral tears, stress fractures in the foot, and tendon problems in the ankle.

Regenerative Orthopedic Medicine Research

Our experts conduct research studies investigating innovative regenerative medicine therapies. These emerging treatments may be available to you through participation in a clinical trial. Your doctor may discuss these opportunities with you.