I don't think they used stem-cells, but may have. She had a hunk of cartilage broken off ... a real hunk..and that is the only tissue in the body that does not regenerate. They sent some out east and they grew a chunk of putty like stuff over a month's time, then sent it back and the surgeon formed it into the space and somehow got it to stay there. It was so expensive, the surgeon doubted our insurance would pay, but they did. He got it pre-approved before doing it. He's in Laf if you want someone with experience doing that procedure. He was really great. Left a HUGE damned scar though... no tiny stuff with this procedure