Patient Education | Regenerative Orthopedics
Dr. R. Scott Oliver discusses regenerative orthopedics, including PRP and Lipogems, and how an orthopedic evaluation helps determine what may make sense before considering joint replacement.
If you are dealing with ongoing joint pain, it can be difficult to know what step comes next. Some patients want to understand whether there are options before joint replacement. Others want to know whether PRP, Lipogems, or surgery is the better fit for their situation.
At Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates, the goal is to understand the whole picture: your symptoms, your history, your physical examination, your X-rays or MRI findings, and what you want to get back to doing. With that information, we can recommend the treatment most likely to help you achieve the best outcome, while avoiding surgery when a less invasive option is appropriate.
Educational note: This article is for general educational purposes only. It is not a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. A proper orthopedic evaluation is needed to determine whether PRP, Lipogems, surgery, or another next step may be appropriate.
Video: Dr. R. Scott Oliver on Regenerative Orthopedics: Your Options Before Joint Replacement
In this article:
What regenerative orthopedics means
Regenerative orthopedics is a treatment category that may include options such as Platelet-Rich Plasma, often called PRP, and Lipogems, a regenerative fat-derived therapy. These treatments are considered in the context of the patient’s diagnosis, imaging findings, joint severity, symptoms, goals, and prior treatment response.
The key point is that regenerative treatment is not the right answer for everyone. For some patients, PRP or Lipogems may be considered. For others, a surgical evaluation may be the more appropriate next step, especially when arthritis is advanced, joint deformity is significant, or regenerative treatment is unlikely to help enough.
PRP and Lipogems at a glance
Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP
PRP uses a small sample of your own blood. The sample is processed to concentrate platelets, then injected into the affected joint or tissue.
Lipogems
Lipogems uses a small amount of your own fat tissue. The tissue is processed and injected into the affected area to support the joint environment.
These options are not a one-size-fits-all answer. They are considered after reviewing what is actually happening in the joint and whether a regenerative option, surgical evaluation, or another next step is likely to make the most sense.
How candidacy is decided
Candidacy for regenerative orthopedics depends on the whole clinical picture, not just the presence of joint pain. During the evaluation, Dr. Oliver considers factors such as:
- Diagnosis and imaging findings
- Joint severity, including whether arthritis is mild, moderate, or advanced
- Functional goals, activity level, pain pattern, and prior treatment response
- Realistic expectations about whether treatment may reduce pain, improve function, or buy time before surgery
Bottom line: Regenerative orthopedics may be useful for select patients, but it is not the right answer for everyone. A proper orthopedic evaluation comes first.
What to expect from the evaluation process
The evaluation process is designed to clarify the diagnosis, review realistic treatment options, and define the next step.
1. Consult: Review symptoms, goals, and medical history.
2. Review: Confirm whether PRP, Lipogems, or surgery fits the clinical picture.
3. Treat: When appropriate, treatment is performed in-office.
4. Follow: Track response and define the next step.
Cost and payment questions
Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates provides current program information so patients can understand the financial side of treatment before scheduling.
Cost and payment questions
Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates provides current program and payment information directly to patients so they can understand the financial side of treatment before scheduling.
Because PRP and Lipogems treatment plans may vary based on the provider’s recommendation, pricing is not listed online. Our team will review current pricing, payment details, and scheduling requirements with you directly once your treatment options have been discussed.
For questions about PRP, Lipogems, or regenerative orthopedic treatment options, please contact our office at 781-934-2400.
Pricing and payment policies should be confirmed with the office when scheduling, especially if program details change.
Questions covered in the video
Dr. Oliver’s discussion helps patients think through common questions, including:
- Is bone-on-bone arthritis an automatic disqualifier?
- Can PRP or Lipogems delay surgery?
- When is knee replacement the better choice?
- What options exist when cortisone or medication is not enough?
- How many injections are typically needed?
- What does insurance usually cover?
What recent research means for patients
Research into osteoarthritis and regenerative medicine continues to evolve. A 2026 AAPM&R guidance statement addresses platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, for knee osteoarthritis and reflects the growing need for careful, evidence-informed guidance around when PRP may be considered.
There is also national attention on future osteoarthritis treatments. In April 2026, ARPA-H announced progress through its NITRO program, which is focused on tissue regeneration in osteoarthritis, including targeted bone regeneration, targeted cartilage regeneration, and living-tissue joint replacement concepts.
Important distinction: These emerging ARPA-H/NITRO approaches are not the same as PRP or Lipogems currently discussed at Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates. They are research-stage developments and should not be interpreted as currently available treatment options. For patients today, the first step is still a proper orthopedic evaluation to understand the diagnosis, joint severity, and whether PRP, Lipogems, surgery, or another next step may be appropriate.
About Dr. R. Scott Oliver
R. Scott Oliver, MD is an orthopedic surgeon with more than 40 years of experience. His evaluation-first approach is important because regenerative orthopedics should be considered in the context of the patient’s diagnosis, imaging, goals, and whether surgery may be the more appropriate next step.
Ready to understand your options?
If you are managing joint pain and want to understand whether PRP, Lipogems, or surgery may be the right next step, call Plymouth Bay Orthopedic Associates and request a regenerative orthopedics consultation with Dr. Oliver.
Related care
References and further reading
- AAPM&R guidance statement on platelet rich plasma for knee osteoarthritis. PM&R. Published online April 16, 2026. View on PubMed
- Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health. ARPA-H fast-tracks historic regenerative breakthroughs to transform osteoarthritis care. Published April 6, 2026. Read the ARPA-H announcement
- The New York Times. Federal Agency Unveils Three Potential Osteoarthritis Treatments. Published April 6, 2026. Read the article
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not replace an evaluation by a qualified medical professional. Treatment decisions should be made after a proper diagnosis, imaging review when appropriate, and a discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives.