Orthobiologics for Cartilage Repair

Orthobiologics are substances derived from biological sources and are increasingly used in cartilage repair. Mesenchymal signaling cells (MSCs) play a crucial role in cartilage regeneration, but face challenges in clinical application. Platelet-rich plasma, concentrated bone marrow aspirate, adipose tissue, and human umbilical cord blood have all demonstrated potential as sources for MSCs and growth factors necessary for cartilage repair. Existing cartilage repair techniques have shown good outcomes with additional orthobiologic augmentation. Emerging techniques involving third-generation and fourth-generation matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation, decellularized or cryopreserved osteochondral grafts, and artificial scaffolds have demonstrated promising results long-term with cartilage repair procedures.