What Are Orthobiologics?
Orthobiologics are natural substances found in your own body - like blood, bone marrow, and fat - that are being studied for how they may support healing and tissue repair. Doctors and researchers are exploring whether these biologic materials can help reduce inflammation, support joint health, or assist with recovery in muscles, tendons, and other orthopedic tissues.
Why Are Orthobiologics Being Studied?
Scientists are investigating how orthobiologics may:
- Help support joint and tendon health
- Influence how cells respond to injury
- Modulate inflammation and promote a healing environment
Each of these biologics has unique characteristics that may interact with the body's natural recovery processes.
Common Types of Orthobiologics
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP):
PRP is created by drawing a small amount of your blood and processing it to concentrate the platelets. These platelets contain growth factors and other natural signals that may support healing. PRP is commonly injected into joints or soft tissues.
Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC):
BMAC comes from your bone marrow - usually the back of your pelvis - and is processed into a concentrated form. It contains a mix of cells and signaling proteins that are being studied for how they may help the body respond to injury.
Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells (ADSCs):
These are obtained from fat tissue using a small liposuction procedure. The cells within this tissue are being explored for their ability to influence inflammation and support soft tissue repair.
Cartilage Transplantation (Surgical Option):
Though not an injectable orthobiologic, cartilage transplantation is a surgical option for focal cartilage defects. In this procedure, cartilage from your own body or a donor is used to replace damaged joint surfaces.
Risks and Considerations
As with any procedure, orthobiologics carry potential risks, such as:
- Mild pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site
- Risk of infection
- No guaranteed outcome
- Rare allergic or inflammatory responses
FDA Disclaimer: Orthobiologics and related cellular products are considered investigational and have not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice.