Orthobiologics: An Updated Definition

Abstract

Orthobiologics is a subset of regenerative medicine, which focuses on treating the musculoskeletal system. The main therapeutics utilized include plateletrich plasma, stem cells, exosomes, and scaffolding matrices. Continuous discoveries and new innovations have led to an increase in both popularity and usage of these therapeutics by various medical and scientific communities. Despite its potential, however, the field is viewed with significant skepticism secondary to poor documentation, a lack of standardization, vague nomenclature, disorganized research protocols, and an absence of a clear understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of the various therapeutics. This ambiguity led to a surge in direct-to-consumer marketing by "Stem Cell Clinics", putting patient's health at risk and further delegitimizing the field. These shortcomings led to a recent push for standardization by both professionals and organizations alike; a move that has put Orthobiologics on the path toward becoming a guideline-driven, protocol-based, and researchbacked specialty. And with these rapid changes comes the need for an updated definition of "Orthobiologics", a crucial element of any legitimate and standardized medical field.

Equine Musculoskeletal Pathologies: Clinical Approaches and Therapeutical Perspectives—A Review

“…The ultrasonographic method for evaluating the pastern region, specifically for palmar/plantar tendon/ligament assessment, is roughly documented in the existing literature [16][17][18]. A thorough ultrasound assessment of soft tissue injuries is very important to accurately diagnose these lesions [7]. However, in conditions of intra-articular soft tissue lesions, it does not allow for the visualization of structures located deep to the bone [14,19,20].…”

“…Several pro-regenerative therapeutic options have emerged, and others are currently in development. Termed orthobiologics, a subdivision of regenerative medicine, with a specific emphasis on addressing musculoskeletal conditions, these therapies are based on biological substances to promote regeneration in the tendons, muscles, and joints [7]. Two major categories within orthobiologics are hemoderivatives and stem cell-based therapies.…”