Orthobiologics: a review.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Orthobiologics, utilizing biologic materials, are increasingly researched in orthopedics.
• These therapies offer potential for enhanced healing and nonoperative treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review novel biologic therapies in orthopedics (orthobiologics).
• To discuss clinical implementations, outcomes, and future perspectives of orthobiologics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of orthobiologics, including platelet-rich plasma, mesenchymal stem cells, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, growth factors, and tissue engineering.
• Analysis of clinical applications, impact, cost-effectiveness, indications, and outcomes.

Main Results:

• Orthobiologics show promise for common orthopedic pathologies like osteoarthritis, cartilage defects, bone defects, fracture nonunions, ligament injuries, and tendinopathies.
• Current studies present challenges in comparison due to variable methods, materials, patient populations, and outcome measurements.
• Key advantages include minimal invasiveness, significant healing potential, and cost-effectiveness as nonoperative treatments.

Conclusions:

• Orthobiologics demonstrate notable short- and mid-term clinical results.
• Long-term efficacy and stability of these therapies require further investigation.
• Optimization of scaffold design is essential for successful tissue engineering applications.