How stem cell therapy could replace Tommy John surgery to repair muscles

Stem cell therapy could replace traditional ligament-replacement surgery as the first option to repair partial ulnar collateral ligament tears in pitchers' elbows. The Angels' Garrett Richards and Andrew Heaney each opted to undergo the 20-minute therapy procedure. If it works, they could return to play a year sooner than if they had chosen what is popularly known as Tommy John surgery.

Harvesting bone marrow

With the recipient under anesthesia, bone marrow is harvested from the pelvis.

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Separating cells from plasma

The marrow is twice spun in a centrifuge to separate the desired cells from the plasma as much as possible .

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Injection

The stem-cell-rich liquid is injected into the elbow, where it speeds up the body’s natural healing process.

Sources: Steve Whyte, Ryan Vaughn, Felix Dunn: Acceleratedbiologics.com, Regenerative Medicine Training Institute