Orthopedic and Traumatology Specialist Dr. Mustafa Özcan at Private Gazi Hospital stated that orthobiologics are biological substances naturally found in the body and used to accelerate healing in bone fractures, ligament, meniscus, and cartilage injuries, and provided information about the effects and usage areas of orthobiologics on the body.
How do they work?
Explaining that orthobiologics interact with the patient's own tissues and cells to stimulate the healing response of the damaged area and accelerate recovery, Dr. Mustafa Özcan provided the following information regarding the usage areas of orthobiologics: "Orthobiologics are successfully used in cases of knee, hip, shoulder joint calcification, tendon tissue damage like tennis elbow around the elbow, rotator cuff damage involving shoulder circumference muscles, cartilage and meniscus damage around the ankle and knee joint, avascular necrosis where bone blood circulation is impaired, heel spurs and Achilles tendon tissue damage, body muscle, tendon, ligament tissue damage due to overuse, and sports injuries."
What are the purposes of use?
Providing information on the purposes of using orthobiologics, Dr. Mustafa Özcan said, "They can be used to reduce pain in cases of bone and joint calcification like osteoarthritis, to delay surgical treatment, to increase the body's healing rate in recurring type injuries due to overuse in tendon, muscle, cartilage and bone tissues, and to develop healing in some cases after surgery."
What are the types and effects of orthobiologics?
- PRP: Inflammation-reducing, immune-regulating effect
- Hyaluronic acid: Inflammation-reducing, natural joint fluid stimulating effect
- Stem cell (from bone marrow or adipose tissue): Connective tissue precursor cell effects
- Cytokines: Inflammation-reducing, providing cellular communication
- Exosomes: Inflammation-reducing, immune-regulating, cellular cargo (carrier) effect
Can they be used safely?
Stating that orthobiologics can be used safely if applied by an expert physician in the field, Dr. Mustafa Özcan said, "Although the side effect profile is quite safe; the most appropriate treatment method should be selected considering the advantages of the methods to be applied by the physician, the risks it includes, and the expectations of the patient. The effects of the treatment begin to be seen on average in 4 to 6 weeks. Among side effects, pain and swelling lasting a few days after application, although minor, infection risk, and allergic reaction if the biological material is not taken from the patient themselves can be counted."