Regenerative Medicine · Dr. Andrew Dold · Frisco, TX

Biologics and Regenerative Medicine

PRP, bone marrow concentrate (BMAC), gel injections and cartilage restoration, offered by a board-certified sports medicine surgeon who explains what the research does and does not show. Non-steroid options for arthritis, and biologic augmentation to support healing after surgery.

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Non-steroid arthritis optionsPRP, BMAC and gel injections for knee and hip arthritis.
Biologic augmentation in surgeryPRP and BMAC to support healing of rotator cuff, meniscus, cartilage and hip repairs.
Your own tissuePRP and BMAC are made from your own blood and bone marrow; no donor “stem cell” products.
More than 100 studies citedEach treatment page includes a full list of the research behind it.
TreatmentsArthritisIn surgeryOur approachFAQsResearch

Treatments

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

A concentrate of your own platelets for knee and hip arthritis, tendon problems and partial tears, and to augment surgery.

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Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)

A concentrate of your own bone marrow, used as an arthritis injection and to augment cartilage, rotator cuff and hip surgery.

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Hyaluronic Acid (Gel) Injections

A lubricating gel injection for knee arthritis, and for the hip under X-ray guidance.

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Cartilage Repair and Transplantation

Microfracture, OATS, osteochondral allograft, MACI and the CartiHeal™ Agili-C™ implant.

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CartiHeal™ Agili-C™

An FDA-approved scaffold for cartilage defects, including knees with mild to moderate arthritis.

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PRP for Hip Pain

PRP for gluteal tendon problems, hamstring tendinopathy and early hip arthritis.

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Stem Cell Injections: Facts vs. Marketing

What the FDA and research say about “stem cell” clinics, and the red flags to watch for.

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Non-steroid options for arthritis

Cortisone injections can relieve arthritis pain quickly, but repeated injections have been linked to cartilage loss and faster arthritis progression,1,2,3 and they can raise blood sugar in people with diabetes.4 For patients who want to avoid or limit cortisone, Dr. Dold offers three non-steroid injections. In head-to-head studies, PRP has outperformed cortisone at 6 to 12 months5,6 and gel injections in follow-up of up to about a year,7,8 and BMAC has performed similarly to PRP.9 The evidence is not uniform, and professional guidelines differ, so Dr. Dold reviews the research with each patient.10,11

CortisoneGel (hyaluronic acid)PRPBMAC
SourceMedicationManufactured gelYour own bloodYour own bone marrow
Contains a steroidYesNoNoNo
OnsetDaysA few weeksA few weeksAbout 1 month12
Typical duration in studiesShort termPeak about 8 weeks, some effect to 6 months13Often 6 to 12 months7,1412 to 24 months in randomized trials9,15
ConcernsCartilage loss and arthritis progression with repeated use;1,2 blood sugar rise in diabetes4Temporary swelling or flare16Temporary soreness17Few complications reported18
InsuranceUsually coveredOften covered for the kneeUsually not covered19Not covered18

Biologics to augment surgery

Biologics can be applied directly to a repair during surgery to support healing. Dr. Dold may use PRP or BMAC as an adjunct during rotator cuff, meniscus, cartilage and hip procedures. Key research:

SurgeryBiologicKey finding
Rotator cuff repairPRPIncomplete healing 17.2% with PRP vs 30.5% without in a meta-analysis of randomized trials20
Rotator cuff repairBMAC100% vs 67% healed at 6 months; 87% vs 44% intact at 10 years21; lower revision rate at 2 years22
Meniscus repairPRP85% vs 47% healing in a placebo-controlled trial23
Meniscus repairMarrow venting100% vs 76% healing in a randomized trial24
Cartilage repairBMAC with scaffold100% vs 64% normal or nearly normal at 2 years compared with microfracture, maintained at 5 years25
Hip arthroscopyBMACMay improve patient-reported outcomes (systematic review of 252 hips)26
Hip osteonecrosisBone marrow concentrateCollapse 28% vs 72% and hip replacement 24% vs 76% compared with core decompression alone27

Biologic augmentation does not replace the time a repair needs to heal, and it is often an out-of-pocket cost. Dr. Dold will discuss whether it makes sense for your surgery.

Our approach

  • Honest about the evidence. Each page explains both the supportive and the negative research, with full citations.
  • Your own tissue. PRP and BMAC come from your own body. Dr. Dold does not offer donor amniotic, umbilical cord or exosome products, which the FDA has warned are not approved to treat orthopedic conditions.28 See stem cell facts vs marketing.
  • Every option on the table. As a surgeon who also offers non-surgical care, Dr. Dold can recommend therapy, an injection or surgery based on what is most likely to help.
  • No guarantees. PRP and BMAC are not FDA-approved to treat any specific orthopedic condition,28,29 results vary, and they are usually not covered by insurance.19,18

Frequently asked questions

1.Which injection is best for knee arthritis?

It depends on your arthritis, your health and your goals. Cortisone works fastest but carries concerns with repeated use; gel injections are often covered for the knee; and PRP has outperformed gel injections in several meta-analyses.7,8 Dr. Dold will help you choose.

2.Are PRP and BMAC covered by insurance?

Usually not; they are typically out-of-pocket costs.19,18 Gel injections are often covered for the knee. Please call 469-850-0680 for pricing and coverage.

3.Can biologics help me avoid surgery?

For some people, injections relieve symptoms enough to delay or avoid surgery, but this has not been proven,30 and no one can guarantee it. Dr. Dold will be honest about when surgery is the better option.

4.Do these treatments regrow cartilage?

Injections have not been shown to regrow cartilage.31,32 Surgical cartilage repair procedures can restore damaged areas of cartilage in selected patients.

5.How do I get started?
Request an appointment online or call 469-850-0680. Walk-in visits are welcome Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 to 10:30 am.
Why see Dr. Dold
  • Board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, with subspecialty certification in Sports Medicine
  • Sports medicine and arthroscopy fellowship at NYU Langone / Hospital for Joint Diseases; orthopedic residency at the University of Toronto
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS), the American Orthopaedic Association (FAOA) and the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC)
  • Has cared for professional and Olympic athletes from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA Tour, Major League Rugby and USA Gymnastics

Research cited on this page

  1. McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Harvey WF, et al. Effect of Intra-articular Triamcinolone vs Saline on Knee Cartilage Volume and Pain in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2017. PubMed
  2. Zeng C, Lane NE, Hunter DJ, et al. Intra-articular corticosteroids and the risk of knee osteoarthritis progression: results from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2019. PubMed
  3. Kompel AJ, Roemer FW, Murakami AM, et al. Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections in the Hip and Knee: Perhaps Not as Safe as We Thought? Radiology. 2019. PubMed
  4. Choudhry MN, Malik RA, Charalambous CP. Blood Glucose Levels Following Intra-Articular Steroid Injections in Patients with Diabetes: A Systematic Review. JBJS Rev. 2016. PubMed
  5. McLarnon M, Heron N. Intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections versus intra-articular corticosteroid injections for symptomatic management of knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021. PubMed
  6. Huang Y, Liu X, Xu X, et al. Intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid or corticosteroids for knee osteoarthritis: A prospective randomized controlled study. Orthopade. 2019. PubMed
  7. Belk JW, Kraeutler MJ, Houck DA, et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Sports Med. 2021. PubMed
  8. Oeding JF, Varady NH, Fearington FW, et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Alternative Injections for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Systematic Review and Statistical Fragility Index-Based Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Sports Med. 2024. PubMed
  9. Anz AW, Plummer HA, Cohen A, et al. Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Is Equivalent to Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis at 2 Years: A Prospective Randomized Trial. Am J Sports Med. 2022. PubMed
  10. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (Non-Arthroplasty): Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline, 3rd edition. 2021. Read the guideline (PDF)
  11. Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al. 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2020. PubMed
  12. Anz AW, Hubbard R, Rendos NK, et al. Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Is Equivalent to Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis at 1 Year: A Prospective, Randomized Trial. Orthop J Sports Med. 2020. PubMed
  13. Bannuru RR, Natov NS, Dasi UR, et al. Therapeutic trajectory following intra-articular hyaluronic acid injection in knee osteoarthritis--meta-analysis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2011. PubMed
  14. Bensa A, Previtali D, Sangiorgio A, et al. PRP Injections for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: The Improvement Is Clinically Significant and Influenced by Platelet Concentration: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Sports Med. 2025. PubMed
  15. Boffa A, Di Martino A, Andriolo L, et al. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate injections provide similar results versus viscosupplementation up to 24 months of follow-up in patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. A randomized controlled trial. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2022. PubMed
  16. Pullman-Mooar S, Mooar P, Sieck M, et al. Are there distinctive inflammatory flares after hylan g-f 20 intraarticular injections? J Rheumatol. 2002. PubMed
  17. Riboh JC, Saltzman BM, Yanke AB, et al. Effect of Leukocyte Concentration on the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis. Am J Sports Med. 2016. PubMed
  18. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Concentrated Bone Marrow Aspirate for Knee Osteoarthritis: Technology Overview. 2021. Read the overview (PDF)
  19. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Knee Osteoarthritis: Technology Overview. 2021. Read the overview (PDF)
  20. Hurley ET, Lim Fat D, Moran CJ, et al. The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Sports Med. 2019. PubMed
  21. Hernigou P, Flouzat Lachaniette CH, Delambre J, et al. Biologic augmentation of rotator cuff repair with mesenchymal stem cells during arthroscopy improves healing and prevents further tears: a case-controlled study. Int Orthop. 2014. PubMed
  22. Schoch BS, Werner BC, Shapiro SA, et al. Effect of Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate and Platelet-Rich Plasma Augmentation on the Rate of Revision Rotator Cuff Repair. Orthop J Sports Med. 2022. PubMed
  23. Kaminski R, Kulinski K, Kozar-Kaminska K, et al. A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Study Evaluating Meniscal Healing, Clinical Outcomes, and Safety in Patients Undergoing Meniscal Repair of Unstable, Complete Vertical Meniscal Tears (Bucket Handle) Augmented with Platelet-Rich Plasma. Biomed Res Int. 2018. PubMed
  24. Kaminski R, Kulinski K, Kozar-Kaminska K, et al. Repair Augmentation of Unstable, Complete Vertical Meniscal Tears With Bone Marrow Venting Procedure: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Study. Arthroscopy. 2019. PubMed
  25. Gobbi A, Whyte GP. One-Stage Cartilage Repair Using a Hyaluronic Acid-Based Scaffold With Activated Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Compared With Microfracture: Five-Year Follow-up. Am J Sports Med. 2016. PubMed
  26. Lee MS, Pettinelli NJ, Gagné J, et al. Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate With Hip Arthroscopy in a Heterogenous Group of Patients May Result in Improved Patient-Reported Outcomes: A Systematic Review. HSS J. 2025. PubMed
  27. Hernigou P, Dubory A, Homma Y, et al. Cell therapy versus simultaneous contralateral decompression in symptomatic corticosteroid osteonecrosis: a thirty year follow-up prospective randomized study of one hundred and twenty five adult patients. Int Orthop. 2018. PubMed
  28. US Food and Drug Administration. Important Patient and Consumer Information About Regenerative Medicine Therapies. 2021. FDA
  29. Beitzel K, Allen D, Apostolakos J, et al. US definitions, current use, and FDA stance on use of platelet-rich plasma in sports medicine. J Knee Surg. 2015. PubMed
  30. Berkani S, Courties A, Eymard F, et al. Time to Total Knee Arthroplasty after Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid or Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med. 2022. PubMed
  31. Bennell KL, Paterson KL, Metcalf BR, et al. Effect of Intra-articular Platelet-Rich Plasma vs Placebo Injection on Pain and Medial Tibial Cartilage Volume in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: The RESTORE Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021. PubMed
  32. Shapiro SA, Arthurs JR, Heckman MG, et al. Quantitative T2 MRI Mapping and 12-Month Follow-up in a Randomized, Blinded, Placebo Controlled Trial of Bone Marrow Aspiration and Concentration for Osteoarthritis of the Knees. Cartilage. 2019. PubMed
Still have questions? Dr. Dold is a board-certified orthopedic sports medicine surgeon who offers PRP, BMAC, gel injections and the full range of cartilage restoration procedures. Request an appointment or call 469-850-0680. Walk-in visits are welcome Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30–10:30 am, at 6700 Dallas Parkway, Suite 100, Frisco.

Medically reviewed by Andrew P. Dold, MD, FAOA, FAAOS, FACS, FRCSC. Last reviewed October 2026. This page is general information, not medical advice. PRP and BMAC are not FDA-approved to treat any specific orthopedic condition, results vary, and no outcome is guaranteed.

Ready to get back to what you love?

Same-day appointments available. Dr. Dold accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Tricare. Please call 469-850-0680 to confirm your coverage.

Request an AppointmentCall 469-850-0680