Recent research suggests that stem cell therapies can offer an alternative to ACL tear and reconstruction surgery. As other research has shown, return to play without an ACL is possible for selected patients. Further, rehabilitation can be similar in the ACL treated with stem cell therapy and the rehab of the reconstructed ACL in getting the patient back to sport or work.
A November 2024 study (1) describing different non-surgical treatment methods wrote: “(stem cell therapy in the form of) bone marrow aspirate concentrate treatment for ACL injuries involves the use of concentrated autologous (the patient’s own) bone marrow cells, which are rich in growth factors and stem cells, to enhance the body’s natural healing response. This therapy leverages the regenerative potential of these cells to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and improve the overall function of the injured ACL.”
References
1 Yu X, Hu J, Li Y, Wen Y, Li B. ACL injury management: a comprehensive review of novel biotherapeutics. Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology. 2024 Nov 22;12:1455225.
