Regenerative Orthopedics
Harness your body’s own healing.
Biologic therapies, PRP injections, cartilage restoration, and access to FDA-regulated clinical trials — non-surgical paths that can delay or prevent the need for joint replacement.
Overview
When surgery isn’t the first answer
Regenerative orthopedics uses concentrated growth factors, biologic scaffolds, and cutting-edge therapies to stimulate healing in damaged joints, tendons, and cartilage — working with your body rather than masking symptoms.
These approaches are particularly valuable for patients with mild-to-moderate arthritis, tendon injuries, or cartilage damage who want to avoid or delay surgery. Dr. Hacker uses the EmCyte PurePRP System — a double-spin centrifuge technology that produces 12–22 billion platelets per treatment, 99% red blood cell removal, and customizable leukocyte content. FDA 510(k) cleared.
A 2024 study in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine found superdose PRP outperforms corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid for long-term pain relief in mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis. As Principal Investigator for FDA-regulated trials since 2010, Dr. Hacker also offers select patients early access to emerging therapies not yet widely available.
Treatments
Regenerative options we offer
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Your own blood is drawn, centrifuged to concentrate platelets and growth factors, then injected under ultrasound guidance into the damaged area. Same-day outpatient procedure — 60 to 90 minutes, no incisions, no opioids. Return to light activity in 24–48 hours. Improvement typically seen in 4–6 weeks.
Cartilage Restoration
Procedures including microfracture, osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA), and autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) to restore damaged cartilage surfaces. Best for focal cartilage defects in younger, active patients.
Clinical Trials
As an FDA Principal Investigator since 2010 with a clean audit record, Dr. Hacker enrolls qualified patients in studies covering knee OA, focal cartilage defects, meniscus injuries, rotator cuff repair, and tendinopathy. Most trial costs are sponsor-covered. Call (619) 456-6012 for research inquiries.
Also offered at this practice
Sports Medicine
ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, rotator cuff surgery, and arthroscopic procedures for athletes and active patients.
Joint Replacement
When regenerative options are no longer enough — MAKO robotic total and partial knee replacement, and total hip replacement.
Take the next step
Ready to move forward?
Request an appointment, ask a question, or get a second opinion. We’ll get back to you within one business day.