Joint Preservation with Orthobiologics

Over the last few years, there has been considerable interest in the use of orthobiologics for joint preservation among both physicians and patients alike. Due to their significant regenerative potential, orthobiologics have demonstrated very promising short-term results. Let’s consider how your aching or injured joints may be preserved with orthobiologics.

Orthobiologics can be defined as substances which are naturally found in the body that can be used to help heal orthopedic injuries. These substances, when injected into the site of orthopedic injury, enhance the natural self-healing capacity of the body. Orthobiologics may be derived from blood, bone marrow, and fat. They also include osteoconductive substances that form the matrix which facilitates in growth of normal tissue.

Orthobiologics can be used to speed up healing of fractures and repair torn muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They may also slow down degenerative changes in joints and may delay or avoid the need for total joint replacement.

Some of the different types of orthobiologic treatments include:

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: A small amount of blood is obtained from your arm and processed in a centrifuge to obtain PRP. The PRP contains growth factors and other important proteins that can accelerate repair of tissues when injected at the site of injury.
• Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Therapy: Bone marrow contains a high number of precursor cells that have the potential to replicate and transform into cells of any tissue. The aspirate is usually drawn from your hip bone and injected into the injury site where the precursor cells may transform into the cartilage, tendon, ligaments, or bone cells as required.
• Viscosupplementation: During this procedure, a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid, which is naturally occurring in the body, is injected into the joints to increase its lubricating and shock absorbing properties. This helps relieve pain and stiffness in the joint due to early and intermediate-stage osteoarthritis.

Most orthobiologics treatments can be administered in the office setting and you can return to work or routine activities with minimal or no downtime.

Consult Dr. Patel to discuss the possibility of using orthobiologics for joint preservation if you have sustained a knee or shoulder injury, or have a degenerative joint condition that does not seem to be healing adequately despite rest and other types of conservative treatment.

Dr. Ronak Patel is a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon offering a full range of care for all problems of the knee and shoulder with a special interest in complex knee disorders. Book your appointment with Dr. Patel today: (630) 929-2249.