Biologic Therapies & Regenerative Medicine
Biologic therapies harness the body’s own components to support regeneration and healing, often alongside or in place of surgery. Dr. Kunze is an expert in the study and clinical application of orthobiologics and has published widely on the topic.
An International Expert Consensus Statement Defining the Best Practices and Areas of Uncertainty Concerning the Use of Orthobiologics
Kyle N. Kunze, MD (first author), Morgan JT, Gerhold C, Nishioka T, Piuzzi NS, Chahla J, and the Delphi Study Group. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2026;108(17):1340–51.
As first author, Dr. Kunze led this international effort to set best-practice standards for orthobiologics. He co-wrote the 77 starting statements, guided a 24-member panel of leading orthopaedic surgeons and scientists through three rounds of review, and revised the statements between rounds to reflect expert feedback.
The work grew out of his ongoing research on PRP, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, and other biologics. The same evidence shapes how he chooses treatments for his own patients.
Where experts agreed
PRP for knee, hip, and shoulder osteoarthritis; Achilles tendinopathy; tennis elbow and rotator cuff tendinitis; meniscus repair augmentation. Also BMAC, autologous conditioned serum, amniotic products, gene therapy, exosomes, and delivery methods.
Still uncertain
PRP to augment rotator cuff repair and autologous cell-based (“stem cell”) therapies did not reach full consensus.
How this guides Dr. Kunze’s care
Dosing, preparation, and quality control still vary widely across clinics. Dr. Kunze only recommends biologics where the evidence supports them, and he matches the preparation to each patient’s condition.
PRP, PPP & BMAC Injections
Dr. Kyle Kunze, an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, offers evidence-based regenerative medicine, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-poor plasma (PPP), and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injections, for knee arthritis, tendinitis, muscle strains, cartilage injuries, and other sports injuries. Each section below explains how the treatment works, who may benefit, and what the research shows.
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Stem Cell Injections for Joint Pain & Sports Injuries
“Stem cell” therapies are heavily marketed directly to patients. Outside of bone marrow aspirate concentrate used in the same procedure, no stem cell or exosome product is FDA-approved for orthopedic conditions. The summaries below explain what these products are, how they are regulated, and what the evidence currently shows.
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Peptide Therapy: BPC-157, TB-500 & Others
Important: The peptides below are not FDA-approved for musculoskeletal use and are largely unregulated. Products sold online or through wellness clinics may not contain what the label claims, and their safety in humans has not been established. They are not routinely supported for the treatment of orthopedic injuries or conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Biologic Injections
What is the difference between PRP and PPP?
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is the concentrated platelet layer of your blood and is used mainly for tendons, ligaments, and arthritic joints. PPP (platelet-poor plasma) is the plasma left after platelets are removed. PPP contains fewer scar-promoting growth factors and is increasingly used for muscle strains and tears.
Does the platelet dose in PRP matter?
Yes. Evidence in knee arthritis suggests that injections delivering around 10 billion platelets or more produce better and longer-lasting pain relief.
Is PRP or BMAC better for knee arthritis?
For mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, randomized trials comparing BMAC and PRP have found similar results at one to two years. PRP is less invasive and less costly, while BMAC may be favored as an adjunct during cartilage repair surgery.
Are stem cell injections FDA-approved for joint pain?
No stem cell, umbilical cord, amniotic, or exosome product is FDA-approved for orthopedic conditions. BMAC, which uses your own bone marrow during the same procedure, can be performed within existing FDA regulations.
Are BPC-157 and TB-500 safe or legal?
Neither is FDA-approved for human use, both are prohibited in sport by WADA, and neither may currently be lawfully compounded in the U.S. Human safety data are lacking, and they are not routinely supported for treating musculoskeletal injuries.
Does insurance cover PRP or BMAC?
Most insurance plans do not cover PRP, PPP, or BMAC injections, which involve an out-of-pocket cost. Costs will be discussed with you should you express interest in these therapies.
Disclaimer: All materials presented on this website are the opinions of Dr. Kyle Kunze and any guest writers, and should not be construed as medical advice. Each patient’s specific condition is different, and a comprehensive medical assessment requires a full medical history, physical exam, and review of diagnostic imaging. If you would like to seek the opinion of Dr. Kyle Kunze for your specific case, we recommend contacting our office to make an appointment.