This video covers a five-month post-operative follow-up with Dr. Don Buford and Kevin, a 15-year-old patient who underwent a unique combined procedure for multiple knee injuries sustained at age 14. To treat Kevin's ACL tear and a stable medial meniscus tear, Dr. Buford opted out of traditional grafts or implants, instead directly injecting the patient's own bone marrow-derived stem cells. However, because Kevin also suffered a widely displaced grade 3 MCL disruption, that specific ligament required a traditional open surgical reconstruction rather than stem cell therapy alone.
During the evaluation, Kevin reports that he is completely brace-free and has successfully returned to playing casual soccer and basketball with friends. He emphasizes that he experiences zero pain, buckling, or instability, and feels entirely unlimited in his activities. A physical examination confirms that Kevin has regained equal flexion in both knees, exhibits excellent leg strength with no concerning muscle atrophy, and demonstrates a solid, stable joint endpoint typical of a healthy recovery.
