Orthobiologics

Orthobiologics

We understand that patients want the most innovative procedures available, and our providers strive to select options that have been tested in clinical trials and have demonstrated effective results.  While many biologic procedures are not yet FDA approved, our physicians have years of orthopaedic experience and knowledge to ensure these procedures are done correctly and safely.  When choosing to undergo orthobiologic therapies to manage joint pain and orthopaedic conditions, patients should put their trust in orthopaedic surgeons who have the expertise and board certification to manage your care. 

Orthobiologics Procedures

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)
Candidates: Patients with conditions of the hip, knee or shoulder or those patients with a soft tissue injury who have seen a physician for their condition and have exhausted conservative therapies including, but not limited to rest, medication, physical therapy.

  • Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate, or “BMAC,” contains growth factors/ cytokines, a higher concentration of cells than PRP, in addition to anti-inflammatory enzymes and growth proteins.
  • BMAC can be harvested from many areas of your own body, including the hip/pelvis, knee, ankle, or shoulder. 
  • BMAC is concentrated in a manner to provide the important cells for the treatment of your injury or condition.
  • BMAC may be performed as an in-office procedure or in conjunction with surgical procedures to augment (assist) and leverage the healing response

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Candidates: Those who have a tendon injury, ligament injury, or osteoarthritis and have exhausted all non-surgical therapies (rest, medications, physical therapy).

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentration of a portion of your blood called platelets. These cells contain specialized proteins and growth factors that enhance healing and leverage the immune system in response to injury and disease.
  • PRP is produced by taking a small amount of your own blood during an office visit and spinning it in a centrifuge. Blood components (ex. red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) are separated and then injected into the location of injury or painful joint.

Lipogems
Candidates: Patients who desire a minimally invasive procedure for tissue injuries or joint pain – or for those patients where a physician determines Lipogems may be used in addition to surgery to improve post-operative healing.

  • This process offers patients a minimally invasive option to surgery and may also improve post-operative healing for those patients who require surgery. 
  • The technology works to aid in the repair, replacement, reconstruction, and support of damaged or injured tissues.  
  • The procedure uses cutting-edge technology to process a patient’s own fat tissue to cushion and support areas of injury or damage as the body heals itself. 
  • Micro-fragmented fat is injected precisely into areas of the body to help support tissue in healing and repair.
  • Your physician will make a tiny skin puncture and take a small section of fat from your midsection.  Your collected fat will be micro-fragmented, during which your fat is washed, rinsed, and resized into smaller clusters while maintaining the natural beneficial properties of your fat. Impurities in your fat such as blood, cell debris, and oils are removed as the desirable remainder of your fat is concentrated.
  • Your physician then will use a small needle to inject the micro-fragmented tissue into the treatment site. 
  • Only a local anesthesia is required, and the procedure can be performed in approximately one hour.
    There is minimal recovery time from the Lipogems procedure.
  • Learn more about this procedure by visiting our Lipogems website. 

    Joint Preservation Procedures

    Cartilage and Meniscus Transplantation
    Cartilage Candidates: Patients who are physically active and have a healthy joint but suffer some form of articular cartilage damage. Patients should be of a healthy weight and not have certain contraindications like severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

     

    • Many individuals sustain injuries to their meniscus and joint surface cartilage. These two parts of our knee work better together and decrease stress across the joint. A loss of either will lead to an increase in the development of traumatic arthritis.
    • There are multiple options to replace the damaged area with any combination of autogenous (your own), allogenic (donor), and/or synthetic regenerative substitutes.
    • Fresh cartilage can be transferred from one spot to another.
    • Allograft articular cartilage and menisci can be replaced at the site of injury.  Options vary between everyone. A structured plan can be developed for everyone who suffers from persistent activity-limiting pain.