Orthobiologics are a class of therapies that use biologic products to promote the healing of injured and diseased tissue.
Commonly used biologic therapies in orthopedics and sports medicine include Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) and Micronized Adipose Tissue (MAT).
Platelet Rich Plasma - (PRP)
What is Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP?
There are two main components of blood. A cellular component and plasma component.
The cellular component include three types of cells: Red Blood Cells (RBCs) which carry oxygen to our tissues. White Blood Cells (WBCs), which help us to fight infections, and Platelets, which help us to stop bleeding and promote wound healing.
The plasma component is composed of water, electolytes, and a vast array of essential sugars, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and proteins.
Using a centrifuge machine, we can separate out the different components of whole blood. This is how we can isolate platelets and plasma from the red blood cells and white blood cells. This separated portion is appropriately called platelet rich plasma or PRP.
This PRP can be injected into to different locations in the body to help treat different conditions. For example, osteoarthritis.
What do Platelets do?
Platelets are involved in wound healing. Platelets house over a thousand proteins, biologically active molecules and growth factors that are involved in tissue repair.
Is PRP a FDA Approved procedure?
Yes. However the use of PRP in the office setting in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee is considered “off-label.” Off-label does not mean that it is illegal or not beneficial. In fact many studies show that PRP is effective at treating osteoarthritis of the knee.