Orthobiologic

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

An orthobiologic helps injuries to heal damaged bones, tendons, ligaments and muscle by using cell-based therapies and biological materials that will become part of the repaired but living tissue.

Promoting tissue healing

Orthobiologics are naturally-derived materials, often from the patient's own body, and contain cells and chemicals that promote self-healing.

Current evidence suggests significant benefits of orthobiologics in treating conditions like osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, and spinal disorders, yet inconsistencies in treatment protocols and outcomes persist.

Madhan Jeyaraman et al

The principal limitation currently is the variability in the composition and biologic activity of orthobiologic formulations, making it difficult to choose the optimal treatment for a specific tissue or pathology.

Scott A Rodeo et al

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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

To derive this material, the patient's own blood is centrifuged and the layer separated out which is rich in platelets.

This is injected into the part of the body that is damaged. These contain healing substances, and trigger the body to heal itself.

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Growth factors

Growth factors are naturally-occurring proteins that promote healing.

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Bone marrow-derived stem cells

Bone marrow-derived stem cells include autologous stem cells, allograft non stem cell therapies like amniotic fluid or umbilical cord blood.

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Matrix orthobiologics

These include bone grafts or artificial matrices (eg from calcium phosphate).

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