CHIHLAS
What is orthobiologics?
Orthobiologics, also referred to as regenerative medicine, uses a patient’s own biology to treat certain conditions in a more natural way. Orthobiologics can help avoid or delay surgical intervention and may also serve as an adjunct to improve surgical outcomes. One of the most common orthobiologic treatments is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?
PRP injections offer a unique and regenerative approach to treating musculoskeletal conditions by using the human body’s natural ability to heal itself to augment or even accelerate the healing of these injuries. PRP therapy involves drawing a patient’s blood and placing it in a centrifuge, a machine that separates the blood into components—including platelet-rich plasma. Platelets contain numerous growth factors that play a crucial role in healing. The centrifuge process concentrates these platelets to levels far higher than typically found in the bloodstream. The PRP is then injected into the injury site to stimulate and potentially accelerate the body’s natural healing process.
Is PRP new?
The technology has been used for years in surgical applications and wound care. Though still considered experimental in nature by the FDA, the use of PRP for musculoskeletal injuries is evolving into a promising treatment for both acute and chronic injuries. There are a number of medical studies supporting the use of PRP for osteoarthritis, muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries.
Has there been any clinical research on regenerative medicine?
The field of regenerative medicine has grown significantly in recent years. More clinical studies are being conducted, demonstrating its effectiveness as a powerful treatment option for a wide range of orthopedic conditions. Data supports the efficacy of PRP in improving symptoms and healing in cases such as partial-thickness rotator cuff tears, tendinopathies, and ligament injuries. It is also effectively used for osteoarthritis and/or as a surgical adjunct; for example, PRP injections administered during rotator cuff repair or ligament reconstruction have been shown to enhance tendon-to-bone healing.
What do you like best about regenerative medicine as a treatment option?
As an orthopedic surgeon, I often see patients who are experiencing joint pain yet may not be good candidates for surgery – or do not want surgery. There are certain patients that either do not experience sufficient results with the standard treatment options or are not good surgical candidates. We previously told these patients to either just live with their pain or wait until it gets worse. This is not acceptable to me. I want to be able to offer my patients more innovative options. Orthobiologics allows me to do just that. Now, I can offer my patients a safe alternative to surgery that has minimal to no risk or downtime. By definition, orthobiologics is the most natural treatment as it comes from the patient’s own body. I’ve seen benefits to patients of all ages—from high school athletes to older adults with chronic arthritis, tennis elbow, tendinitis, partial tendon tears, and plantar fasciitis—who want to avoid surgery when other conservative treatments aren’t enough.
What conditions can be treated with PRP?
Numerous studies have evaluated PRP’s effectiveness, with the most promising results seen in soft tissue injuries. These include tendonitis, tendon tears, ligament sprains or tears, loose ligaments, and muscle tears. PRP has also shown effectiveness in treating cartilage degeneration, also known as arthritis. In some cases, it is used in combination with surgery.
Why should I come to Ortho Rhode Island for regenerative medicine treatments?
We’re orthopedic specialists. At Ortho Rhode Island, regenerative medicine is more than just an injection—it’s part of a thoughtful, personalized approach to orthopedic care. Our team of highly trained orthopedic specialists brings deep expertise and experience in the musculoskeletal system, ensuring that biologic treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are delivered safely and effectively.
