Is PRP or stem cell therapy better?
Neither is clearly better. PRP uses platelets from a blood draw; bone marrow concentrate, often called stem cell therapy, uses cells drawn from the hip bone. In a randomized trial in knee arthritis, both gave similar improvement for two years. PRP is simpler and costs less, so it's often tried first. The FDA hasn't approved stem cell products for joint problems.
The difference at a glance
| PRP | Bone marrow concentrate (BMC) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A concentrate of platelets from a small blood draw | A concentrate of cells from your own bone marrow, often called stem cell therapy |
| How it's collected | Blood draw from the arm | Bone marrow draw from the back of the hip bone, with local anesthetic |
| Visit length | About an hour | Usually two hours or more |
| Recovery | Soreness at the injection site for a few days | Soreness at the hip and injection site for a few days |
| FDA status | PRP is prepared from your own blood at the visit | The FDA has not approved any stem cell product for joint or tendon problems |
| Cost | Usually self-pay | Usually self-pay, and more than PRP |
What the research shows
Head-to-head research is limited. In a randomized trial of 90 people with knee arthritis, PRP and bone marrow concentrate gave similar improvement in pain and function, and the gains held for two years. More studies are needed, and results vary from person to person. Neither treatment regrows worn cartilage.
Why "stem cell therapy" needs care
Bone marrow concentrate contains a small number of stem cells along with many other cells. Some clinics advertise "stem cell therapy" with promises the evidence doesn't support, or use products from donors or birth tissue. The FDA has not approved stem cell products for orthopedic use and warns patients about unapproved stem cell treatments. We only use cells from your own body, prepared at the same visit, and we explain the evidence before you decide.
Which one is right for you?
For many people, PRP is the first choice because it's simpler and costs less. Your physician may discuss bone marrow concentrate if PRP hasn't helped enough, or for some larger joint problems. See PRP therapy, bone marrow concentrate therapy and whether you're a candidate.
Common questions
Is stem cell therapy better than PRP?
Not clearly. In the best head-to-head trial so far, for knee arthritis, results were similar. Bone marrow treatment is more involved and costs more, so it isn't automatically the better choice.
Does the bone marrow draw hurt?
The area is numbed with local anesthetic first. Most people feel pressure during the draw and soreness for a few days afterwards.
Is stem cell therapy covered by insurance?
Usually not. We give you a written price before treatment. After a car accident, Michigan no-fault insurance may cover care that's reasonably necessary.
