Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy harvests regenerative cells from bone marrow, adipose tissue, or peripheral blood to repair damaged cartilage, tendons, and joints — offering a biological alternative for patients seeking to avoid surgery.

Stem cell therapy at The Orthopaedic Centre Dr Dennis Ng is an advanced regenerative procedure that uses the body's own multipotent cells to repair and regenerate damaged musculoskeletal tissue. Dr Dennis Ng offers three distinct stem cell collection methods tailored to the patient's anatomy, condition, and preferences: bone marrow aspiration from the hip bone, adipose-derived stem cells harvested via mini-liposuction from fat tissue, and peripheral blood stem cell collection following pre-treatment medication to stimulate stem cell mobilisation into the bloodstream. Once harvested, the stem cells are processed and concentrated before being injected directly into the target area — whether a degenerated joint, torn tendon, cartilage defect, or ligament injury. Stem cells are uniquely capable of differentiating into multiple cell types, including chondrocytes (cartilage cells), tenocytes (tendon cells), and osteoblasts (bone-forming cells), enabling genuine tissue repair rather than merely symptom suppression. The conditions most amenable to stem cell therapy include moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis, ACL and MCL ligament injuries, cartilage defects, chronic tendinopathies, and delayed-healing fractures. The treatment is particularly valuable for younger patients wishing to preserve joint function long-term, as well as older patients who are not surgical candidates but need meaningful pain relief and functional restoration. The harvesting procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes, after which the patient can usually resume light activity within 24–48 hours. Full high-impact activities are generally cleared at the 4–6 week mark. Results develop gradually over 2–3 months as stem cells engraft and differentiate, with the full extent of improvement apparent by 6–9 months post-treatment. Dr Dennis Ng's background as a former NUH Deputy Head of Orthopaedic Surgery ensures that each patient receives a thorough biomechanical and clinical assessment before any regenerative therapy is prescribed. Stem cell therapy is positioned as part of a comprehensive orthopaedic management plan, often complemented by physiotherapy and load management advice to maximise and maintain outcomes.