With that in mind, our doctors have been at the forefront of treatment with orthobiologics for broken bones, torn ligaments and injured muscles. However, many patients don’t understand what this means for them.  

Orthobiologics are natural tissue-derived products that orthopedic surgeons use to help injuries (such as arthritic joints, broken bones, injured muscles, tendons or ligaments) heal more quickly in some circumstances and in other cases, allow delay of joint replacement surgery.  

The orthobiologic substances consist of cells, proteins, glycoproteins and complex carbohydrates that are naturally found in the body. When orthobiologics are used they may augment the healing by creating a less inflammatory environment.  

The main goal of orthobiologics is to decrease pain and improve function. If you are experiencing pain from arthritis, injections won’t make your body grow new cartilage (as implied by some centers), but they can decrease pain and improve your quality of life.  

 

Tissue and cell injections 

Stem cell injections are widely and improperly promoted. The true stem cell can form tissues as varied as brain, heart, skin, liver and cartilage. In the field of orthobiologics, the cells have been termed mesenchymal signal cells (MSCs for short). They can be found in the bone marrow and adipose tissue (fat) as well as some cells from ethically derived placental tissue.  

The scientist who coined the name “MSCs”, Arnold Caplan, now likes to say they modify the environment in positive ways and renamed them “Medicinal Signaling Cells” as they do help “reset” the joint environment, but do NOT make new cartilage, ligaments or menisci as some claim.  

It’s important to note that most orthobiologic treatments are not covered by insurance and are self-pay instead.  

What are the benefits of orthobiologics?

The potential to delay or avoid major surgery  

Recovery is faster than a surgical procedure  

Treatment may be in the office as an outpatient procedure  

They are natural substances found within the body rather than drugs or chemicals  

Does orthobiologic therapy always work?

This is a very exciting time for orthopedic medicine as we continue to find more options to potentially slow down the progression of arthritis symptoms without surgery. With orthobiologic therapies we are beginning to understand how to stimulate the body to improve comfort and function.  

Orthobiologic injections are not for everyone and may not be an option for you. We use these treatments to stimulate your own body to improve comfort and function, but how your body responds to the treatments is, unfortunately unpredictable.  However, recent scientific researches strongly indicate that this novel therapy option offers a great healing for eligible candidates.

Therefore, when you fill in this form, our physicians will contact with you and evaluate your medical condition and eligibility for orthobiological treatment.