Orthobiologics for Foot and Ankle Tendinopathy

Foot and ankle tendinopathies are common problems for which there exists a "treatment gap" between surgery and traditional conservative management. Orthobiologics have potential to help fill that gap, aiming to use molecular biology to steer host cell responses, with the goal of improving tissue homeostasis and function. They are primarily used for chronic tendon degeneration and angiofibroblastic disrepair-"tendinosis"-rather than acute inflammation-"tendonitis." As the technology, techniques, and clinical evidence for orthobiologics continue to develop and advance, several biologic therapies are available for the treatment of foot and ankle tendinopathies. This article provides a brief overview of the most commonly used orthobiologics.