What are Orthobiologics?
OrthoBiologics are natural substances such as cells, tissue, blood components, and growth factors that are involved in the treatment of orthopedic injuries or conditions. Our bodies use these substances naturally and constantly to repair the damage and wear and tear experienced every day. They may be also used medically to potentially replace lost tissue, stimulate regeneration and healing, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve joint function.
OrthoBiologics are obtained from your own body or sometimes from a donor. They may be administered in the form of injections, tissue implantation or may require a surgical procedure. They may be used alone as a conservative treatment or in conjunction with orthopedic surgery to enhance results, such as tissue augmentation, cartilage restoration and grafting of tissue defects.
What are the Conditions Treated by OrthoBiologics?
Orthobiologics can be used to treat:
- Articular cartilage injuries
- Early osteoarthritis
- Ligament injuries
- Tendon injuries
When is OrthoBiologics Recommended?
OrthoBiologics may be recommended when rest, medications, and physical therapy fail to relieve symptoms of injury or painful bone and joint conditions. Typically, traditional medical treatments are offered as the first line of treatment with plan to use orthoBiologic therapy if the initial treatment does not work.
What are the Different Types of OrthoBiologics?
The different types of treatments considered to be orthoBiologics include the following:
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP is obtained from your own blood after it has been processed to concentrate platelets and certain white blood cells that enhance healing and reduce inflammation. PRP may be injected directly into the damaged tissue during an outpatient procedure or following repair surgery. This treatment is performed in the office as well as in surgery for certain conditions.
Cell Based Therapy
Unique cells are present in all of us which have the potential to provide a tissue repair mechanism for the body, reduce inflammation or control pain. The goal of cell-based therapy is to harness and amplify the natural repair system of the body. This treatment is generally done in the office as well as in surgery for certain conditions.
Bone Marrow Aspiration Concentrate (BMAC)
BMAC is obtained after processing bone marrow that is removed from the pelvic bone. BMAC is rich in cells, which produce proteins and growth factors necessary for healing and reducing inflammation. This treatment is performed in both surgery facilities and in the office setting under certain circumstances.
Cartilage Transplantation
Articular cartilage is the white tissue lining the ends of bones that form joints. It acts as cushioning material and helps in the smooth gliding of bones during movement. Articular cartilage damaged by injury or early focal osteoarthritis is treated with various techniques. Cartilage repair is a procedure to restore articular cartilage in a joint by transplanting it from another region of your body or using cartilage from a donor. Cartilage restoration refers to using a patient’s own cells that are harvested, amplified in a sterile lab environment, and then later reimplanted to treat focal cartilage defects. These treatments are performed in a surgical setting.