Huntington, W. Va.-based Marshall Orthopaedics surgeon Chad Lavender, MD, is now performing anterior cruciate ligament repair procedures using a patient's bone marrow.
Here are three things to know:
1. Dr. Lavender is performing the arthroscopic surgery as an outpatient procedure at Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington.
2. The minimally invasive technique uses a bone marrow aspiration containing stem cells, along with an internal brace to speed recovery.
"By adding stem cells, we expect to see a faster, more complete graft incorporation," said Dr. Lavender. "The internal brace adds to the early strength of the graft. Combined, the stem cells and internal brace allow for more aggressive rehabilitation, which could lead to a faster return to sport and/or normal activity."
3. Dr. Lavender is a board-certified orthopedic sports medicine surgeon.
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