Overview
Regenerative medicine
Orthopaedic regenerative medicine stands at the intersection between traditional surgery and molecular biology. Rather than limiting itself to mechanical repair of damaged structures, it aims to reactivate the body's natural healing processes through the use of autologous biological resources: platelet growth factors (PRP), biological membranes and mesenchymal stem cells derived from the patient themselves.
Prof. Fernando Colao integrates this approach into his clinical practice with the aim of offering patients conservative therapeutic alternatives, particularly in the early stages of degenerative joint disease where invasive surgery is not yet indicated. Clinical results confirm the potential of these methodologies in slowing osteoarthritis progression, treating resistant chronic tendinopathies and promoting localised cartilage regeneration.
Regenerative medicine does not replace surgery but complements it: in more advanced cases, the integration between biological techniques and surgical intervention — such as intraoperative application of platelet concentrates or biological membranes — contributes to improving outcomes and accelerating post-operative recovery.
Rai 3 · Documentary · 3 March 2026
Towards immortality — Stem cells
Watch the documentary broadcast on Rai 3 to gain a deeper understanding of stem cell research and its clinical potential in regenerative orthopaedics.
Therapeutic areas
Clinical indications
The main areas of clinical application include:
- osteoarthritis in initial and moderate stages
- degenerative tendinopathies resistant to conventional therapy
- focal cartilage lesions (chondropathy, osteochondritis dissecans)
- chronic inflammatory joint pathologies
- intraoperative integration in tendon and ligament reconstructions
In selected cases, regenerative therapies can contribute to postponing or reducing the need for invasive surgical interventions, improving the patient's quality of life and preserving joint function in the medium to long term.
Techniques
Therapeutic pathway
The regenerative therapeutic pathway is defined through specialist clinical assessment integrated with advanced imaging (ultrasound, MRI). The main procedures available include:
- ultrasound-guided PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) infiltrations
- biological membrane application in tendon reconstructions
- intraoperative use of platelet concentrates to promote tissue healing
- autologous mesenchymal stem cell therapies in selected cases
- post-treatment clinical and instrumental follow-up programmes
The choice of the most appropriate technique depends on the extent of the damage, the patient's age and activity level, and the functional objectives agreed during the care pathway.
Explore further
The clinical use of autologous mesenchymal stem cells is one of the most advanced applications in regenerative orthopaedics.
Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine →