What is Orthobiologics?
When it comes to the human bone structures, healing is a process that can often take a long time to facilitate if there is a serious injury or fracture to the bone. With a new understanding of the healing mechanisms of the body, there are natural and artificial substances which orthopaedic surgeons can use to accelerate the rate of healing. These substances, are known as Orthobiologics. With their abilities to heal bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments, orthobiologics is the path forward to a life of accelerated healing. Consult with your orthopaedic surgeon, to identify if you’ll be a suitable candidate for this cutting edge medical innovation.
How do our bodies heal?
The key to all healing is the facilitation of healing agents to attend to an injury site. The blood is the agent that facilitates this change. Additionally, there are three orthobiologic substance which research has identified is key to aid the healing process. These include the cell matrix which helps to heal bone gaps, proteins for regulation of the healing process, and stem cells for regeneration of the relevant cells that will heal the injury. While all three elements are critical, stem cells are the very versatile agents that are finding their relevance in global healing of the body. They have the ability to generate a multitude of cells, and facilitate healing. The integration of all these elements will ensure that injuries are able to restore to normalcy.
Types of Orthobiologic Materials:
There are various natural and synthetically derived materials that are used in the orthobiologic process. When there is an injury, often the site must be protected by a special scaffolding that provides support and mobility. There are various materials that facilitate the scaffolding. Injected into the site will be the healing agent such as the stem cells. Materials such as Bone Grafts (autograft/allograft), involve the use of bone fragments to support the injured bones. Bone fragment sources vary, and in some instances are harvested from cadavers. Alternately, with the advent of materials science, there are compounds such as calcium phosphate which can be used to fill gaps in bone fragments.
How do the growth elements help to heal?
Via processes such as genetic engineering, the body’s healing processes can be accelerated. On its own, the body takes a very long time to heal structures such as bones. Via science and technology, mechanisms of healing are now much more easily understood, and the levers that facilitate healing are now being manipulated. While not one hundred percent effective, research has shown favorable adaptation of the body to the injection of healing agents such as stem cells and growth factor proteins. With good blood circulation in the area, the two agents work in tandem with each other to repair the injured site. Via innate intelligence, the cells will regenerate the relevant cells needed to heal bones, muscles and ligaments.
The future of orthobiologics is still unfolding, and from the current vantage point, the possibilities look endless. Consult with your orthopaedic surgeon to identify if you are a suitable candidate for this new wave of medical treatment. Your health is your wealth, if there are new and better methods, take advantage of them.
Reference Article: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/helping-fractures-heal-orthobiologics/
Site Disclaimer: “‘Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.’
