Introduction to Orthobiologics
Many of my patients ask me about orthobiologic therapies. Most have heard about these innovative treatments, but few know much about them. That is the reason I’ve launched this new blog series, to not only to help people understand what orthobiologics are, but also the various kinds of orthobiologic treatments that are available.
Simply put, orthobiologic therapies are a modern approach to treating musculoskeletal pain. They have proven effective for a great number of patients, particularly when it comes to managing pain and reducing inflammation. Orthobiologic therapies use a patient’s own cells to stimulate natural healing and can be a powerful alternative to traditional treatments.
Orthobiologic treatments are minimally invasive. They can be performed with local anesthetics during office visits and can take as little as a few minutes. Among the most common treatments are:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments. PRP is a substance obtained from the blood. A small amount of blood is drawn and processed in a centrifuge, which separates and purifies the platelets. These platelets contain growth factors that help promote tissue repair and healing. PRP injections are used to treat conditions like tendinitis and sports-related injuries.
Bone marrow-derived stem cells. For patients with arthritic conditions where joint cartilage has degenerated, bone marrow-derived stem cells can be very effective. The bone marrow is taken from the pelvis using a needle, and the stem cells in the marrow are harvested and purified in a centrifuge. Stem cells can be used to regenerate damaged tissues and reduce inflammation, potentially slowing the progression of arthritis.
Fat tissue. Fat cells can be an effective treatment for conditions like osteoarthritis, cartilage damage, and soft tissue injuries. The fat cells are obtained from the patient’s flank using a minimally invasive method. Once collected, the fat is purified and combined with platelets to encourage healing.
Many patients ask how orthobiologic treatments differ from steroid injections. The answer is that unlike steroid injections, which can provide short-term pain relief, orthobiologic treatments do not contribute to tissue breakdown. In fact they do the opposite, reducing pain while working to promote healing and regenerate tissue, including tendons and ligaments.
This regenerative process can delay surgery, or in some instances even provide an alternative for surgery. Orthobiologic treatments also have a high success rate, providing long-lasting relief and improved function.
For more information on specific applications of orthobiologic technology, see my other blog posts.