The Role of Orthobiologics in the Management of Osteoarthritis and Focal Cartilage Defects
This study talks about newer biologic treatments in use to potentially slow disease progression in patients with knee osteoarthritis. These include hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone-marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Believed to affect tissue healing and regeneration, PRP’s role in treatment of knee osteoarthritis remains controversial while its role in treatment of cartilage defects is still under investigation. The interest in use of stem cells to regenerate cartilage has been present for many years. The use of BMAC in knee osteoarthritis is still under study while its use in focal cartilage defects has shown promising early results. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells are harvested from fat underneath skin (i.e., from abdomen, or flank or buttocks). Currently, there is limited research on its role for treatment of knee osteoarthritis and focal cartilage defects. This study concludes most studies reporting on use of biologics have shown a good safety profile; however, more research is needed to determine its value in knee osteoarthritis and cartilage defects.
