Orthobiologics Overview
At Summit Orthopedics, our team of experts and orthopedic specialists provides
innovative therapies for patients in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area searching for an
alternative to conventional orthopedic treatments. Regenerative medicine offers an
effective, lasting solution for many people looking to overcome pain and get back to an
active life.
From a small cut on your finger to a big bruise on your leg, the human body has the impressive ability to heal all sorts of injuries. Your body also produces natural substances called stem cells that can help it fight back after orthopedic injuries and conditions. When doctors harvest and use these natural substances as a treatment, it’s called regenerative medicine, also known as orthobiologics. This form of treatment can help you find relief from joint pain and slow disease progression without surgery.
Learn the Basics About Orthobiologics
Regenerative medicine uses parts of your own body in the form of cellular components, proteins and signaling molecules. Stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma therapy are two regenerative therapies using materials harvested from your body.
Doctors access and extract adult stem cells and other substances, concentrate them and then inject that concentrate into an injured joint, tendon or ligament. The anti-inflammatory factors of these cells work to minimize pain and inflammation.
Orthopedic Conditions Treated With Regenerative Medicine
Summit Orthopedics offers regenerative treatments in the form of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) injections for a number of orthopedic conditions, including:
- Back, neck and spine injuries, including in the sacroiliac joints and herniated discs
- Chronic tendon problems, such as tennis elbow or patellar tendinopathy
- Osteoarthritis, including arthritic knees, hips and shoulders
- Sports injuries, helping delay or even eliminate the need for surgery while providing long-term pain relief
Regenerative medicine can also help with injuries to other soft tissues, such as muscles or ligaments. Unlike other orthopedic treatments, regenerative medicine doesn’t change the structure of your bones and joints. Instead, regenerative treatments improve function and relieve pain so you can return to an active lifestyle.
The Promise of Regenerative Medicine
There’s still a lot to learn: Regenerative medicine research is ongoing, and treatments are continually evolving. This approach might not be right for every patient, but in clinical trials regenerative therapies have shown promise in treating orthopedic injuries and issues. It’s important to talk with your doctor and decide together what feels right for you and your specific injury.
Because regenerative medicine is relatively new, not all insurers cover it. Choosing a credentialed, licensed clinic is particularly important. Summit Orthopedics works with many insurance plans to help you get the services you need.
Our number one goal at Summit Orthopedics is to improve function, reduce pain and treat the underlying problem to prevent recurrence. If you have a soft tissue injury or condition that hasn’t responded to traditional therapy, ask a doctor whether regenerative medicine is an option.
