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.

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

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

They include autologous stem cells, allograft non stem cell therapies like amniotic fluid or umbilical cord blood

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Matrix

This includes bone grafts or artificial matrices (eg from calcium phosphate).

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Synonyms: 
Orthobiologics
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Dr Sheila Strover (Editor)
BSc (Hons), MB BCh, MBA

See biography...


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