What is Orthobiologics?

May 27, 2022

Orthobiologics is a combination of words: “ortho” refers to the body’s musculoskeletal system (muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons), and “biologics” refers to naturally derived substances used to heal parts of the body.  Orthobiologic treatments can be used to harness the body’s ability to heal itself to restore or establish normal function. Within the field of orthopedics, these specific treatments hold great promise for helping patients with injuries or degeneration in the musculoskeletal system.

When joints, ligaments, tendons, or discs are damaged, it can lead to chronic pain in the:

• Lower Back
• Knees
• Hips
• Neck
• Feet and ankles
• Hands and wrists
• Elbows and Shoulders

Orthobiologics promote healing and stimulate growth of new healthy tissues. When the underlying cause is treated, pain improves or resolves. 

How Do Orthobiologics Work?

Orthobiologic treatments for orthopedic conditions use the patient’s own blood and cells (known as autologous products) to kick-start the body’s own healing processes. These biologic products are collected from the patient and concentrated to isolate the healing proteins, molecules, and nutrients they contain. These super-healers are then re-injected into the exact site of the damaged tissue to encourage new cell growth and healing.

Limitations on Cellular Treatments by the FDA

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) does not allow the use of embryonic or blood cord products for treating orthopedic conditions. The FDA also banned certain language and vague advertising regarding these types of products that in the past have opened doors to illegal markets cell-buying and procedures that are potentially dangerous to patients.

Skilled certified physicians can use the following autologous (from your own body) cellular products to treat musculoskeletal problems, provided they follow the FDA’s guidelines for safety and efficacy:  

• Platelet Rich Plasma: Platelets in the patient’s own blood release growth factors and proteins that promote tissue repair, while the plasma carries cytokines and nutrients required to nourish cells during the healing process.
• Cellular Therapies: A specific type of cells, called mesenchymal cells, taken from the patient’s own fat tissue (adipose) or bone marrow, have the unique ability to develop into the specific kind of cell needed to promote healing and possess molecules that direct other cells in the injured area to form new blood vessels, awaken other cells, and encourage newly forming cells to produce collagen and other proteins essential for creating new healthy tissues.

Because the platelet-rich plasma and mesenchymal cells are taken directly from the patient and delivered back to them, they do not present the risk of allergic reactions or some infections seen with donor products.

Are PRP and Cell Therapies Painful?

For many years, patients with unresolved chronic orthopedic pain were left to consider surgery as their best hope for long-term pain relief. But with advancements in regenerative medicine, some patients can avoid major surgery and lengthy rehab.

Orthobiologic treatments are conducted with needles. Blood plasma and mesenchymal cells are aspirated (removed via a needle) and reinjected through a needle. There are no large incisions, which means the risk of bleeding and infection is significantly reduced. It also means that the procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis, and recovery begins at home within hours of the treatment.

Best of all, patients can enjoy long-lasting pain relief and enjoy an improved quality of life without chronic pain.

Ask the Right Questions, Get the Best Results

When considering regenerative medicine to treat orthopedic conditions, patients should make sure:

• The physician performing the procedure is board-certified
• Advanced centrifuge technology is used to prepare the cellular products so that they offer the highest possible concentrations of healing properties.
• Treatments are given under fluoroscopic (X-ray) or ultrasound guidance to ensure precise delivery of the regenerative products to the exact site of the injury.
• The practice acknowledges and strictly follows FDA guidelines for the use of cellular products to treat musculoskeletal damage.

The best outcomes occur when the patient understands the benefits of regenerative treatments and knows the right questions to ask prior to the procedure.

SDOMG is a state-of-the-art practice focusing on Orthobiologics to treat orthopedic conditions. To learn more about the procedures they provide, visit their website or fill out the form below. We look forward to helping you regain your quality of life.