Medically reviewed by Derek Wimmer, PA
Wharton's jelly is the connective tissue from donated, screened umbilical cords, rich in structural proteins and signaling components found in young tissue. At Wimmer it is injected under ultrasound guidance into joints or soft tissue as part of a regenerative care plan. It is an allograft biologic that has not been approved by the FDA, and candidacy is determined at an in-person evaluation.
What is Wharton's jelly?
Wharton's jelly is the protective connective tissue that surrounds the blood vessels inside the umbilical cord. It is naturally rich in the structural proteins, hyaluronic acid, and signaling components characteristic of very young tissue.
The product we use comes from healthy, consented, screened donors after scheduled deliveries, processed by FDA-registered tissue facilities that meet accreditation standards — sourcing documentation we are glad to discuss with you.
How it's used at Wimmer
For selected patients, Wharton's jelly is injected — always under ultrasound guidance — into a joint or soft-tissue area as part of an individualized regenerative plan. It is most often discussed for arthritic joints such as the knee, hip, and shoulder, in patients seeking alternatives to surgery.
- Image-guided delivery for precise placement
- Available in 70mg and 300mg doses, matched to the area treated
- Often coordinated with PRP, shockwave, or hyaluronic acid in a broader plan
- Candidacy confirmed at an unhurried, in-person evaluation
Honest expectations
Responses to biologic injections vary from person to person, and results are not guaranteed. Research on umbilical-derived allografts is ongoing, and we will give you a candid assessment of the current evidence as it applies to your diagnosis — and tell you plainly if we think another option fits you better.
FDA status & required Florida disclosure
Notice: The stem cell and umbilical-derived biologic therapies offered at Wimmer Orthopedics, including Wharton's jelly allografts, have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You are encouraged to consult with your primary care physician before undergoing a stem cell therapy. Florida law also requires — and we provide — detailed written informed consent covering the nature of the treatment, its risks and potential benefits, and your alternatives, including non-treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Wharton's jelly is an umbilical-derived allograft tissue product. We will explain honestly what the product we use contains and does not contain, rather than making broad 'stem cell' promises — and review the sourcing documentation with you.
The tissue comes from healthy, screened, consented donors and is processed at FDA-registered, accredited facilities. As with any injection there are risks, which we review during your informed-consent discussion.
No — regenerative biologics are generally not covered. We publish transparent pricing, accept CareCredit, and discuss costs openly before any treatment.
Candidacy depends on your diagnosis, imaging, and goals. It starts with an unhurried evaluation and in-office ultrasound with Derek Wimmer.
