Orthobiologics, also known as regenerative medicine, are safe injections of your body’s own plasma or stem cells. They are used to treat arthritis or injury to a tendon, muscle, joint, or bone. Orthobiologics can relieve pain, improve movement, and help prevent or delay surgery. Duke Health doctors have decades of experience in administering orthobiologics. They can determine if this treatment is right for you or recommend one that is.
The body is often able to heal itself—think of a sprained ankle that gets better on its own, or a cut that resolves without stitches. With orthobiologics, that healing potential is harnessed, concentrated, and injected into the area that needs it.
Duke Orthopaedics is using patients’ own stem cells to help patients with osteoarthritis remain active and avoid or prolong the need for joint replacement surgery.
Duke Health clinics offer three types of orthobiologics approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Your doctor may recommend one, or a combination. Options include:
When you come in for your appointment, your doctor will go over your medical history, perform a physical exam, and review your goals for treatment. They will then discuss treatment options with you.
Orthobiologics are prepared and administered in a clinic or procedure room. First, your doctor collects your tissue, from a blood draw or by harvesting a tiny amount of fat or bone marrow under a local anesthetic. Next, a special machine called a centrifuge isolates and concentrates the cells that speed healing. Finally, your doctor uses ultrasound to find the right spot, then administers the injection.
Following the injection, you’ll rest briefly, then go home the same day. You may experience common side effects such as soreness, stiffness, or swelling for a few days. Your doctor will tell you when to return for a follow-up appointment to assess progress.
Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.
Orthobiologics are not covered by insurance. PRP injections cost $675 for one site and $200 for an additional site. Fat and bone marrow stem cell injections cost $2500 for one site and $500 for an additional site.
Where you receive your care matters. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our orthopaedics program is nationally ranked and the highest-ranked program in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2025–2026.
Duke Health providers use multiple methods to address your pain and improve your function. For example, if you are experiencing osteoarthritis, you may benefit from our Joint Health Program. Because orthobiologics are often not covered by insurance, we also explore options that are, such as hyaluronic injections. We’re committed to providing you with the best treatment for your condition.
Duke doctors are conducting research to advance treatment of osteoarthritis, including leading a federally funded multicenter study investigating the use of orthobiologics to rebuild bone and joints. They’ve also compared orthobiologics and corticosteroid injections, and made advances towards personalized medicine for knee osteoarthritis.
