Orthopedic Biologic Treatments

What is a Biologic Treatment?

In the past, orthopedic advances have centered on surgical techniques, new joint materials and new methods of operating, such as arthroscopic surgery. Today, biologic treatments have become the cutting edge of orthopedic treatment. Due to their regenerative properties, biologic therapies, including platelet-rich-plasma (PRP), bone marrow aspirate (BMA) and stem cells, are used to treat a variety of medical conditions for which no other treatments are available or to enhance the outcomes of our established treatments. Dr. Armando Vidal, Orthopedic specialist, now offers these treatments to patients in Vail, Aspen and the surrounding Denver, Colorado communities.

Biologics are substances made from a living organism and are used in the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of orthopedic conditions. Biologics work by targeting particular chemicals or cells involved in the body’s own immune system response.

How does a biologic treatment work?

When the body is injured, it begins a healing response that includes rebuilding damaged tissue. Growth factors, which are small proteins, signal the body to control the healing process. Physicians have discovered that Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are specific to the musculoskeletal system and have the ability to differentiate into different tissue types such as bone, muscle, ligament and tendon. This gives physicians the ability to channel these cells to an injured site, allowing the body’s own healing response to decrease inflammation, improve accelerated healing and to allow for pain relief. The biologic treatments mimic the body’s natural healing process by accelerating the process of healing.

What biologic treatments are used in orthopedic medicine?

Dr. Vidal can assist patients in Vail, Aspen and the surrounding Denver, Colorado communities with the following biologic treatments:

• PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma
• Stem Cells
• BMAC – Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate

What is Platelet Rich Plasma and how is it used?

PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma is a biologic treatment, often used as an alternative to surgery. It is designed to rebuild body structures such as cartilage, ligaments and torn meniscus tissue. PRP is a high concentration of endogenous blood platelets, known for their ability to help blood clot. The variety of proteins, called growth factors that platelet rich plasma contains, speed up the healing process following and injury.

What are Stem Cells used for in orthopedic medicine?

Stem cells are specific cell types that can help to repair tissues that are injured or damaged. Adult stem cells are found throughout the body and have remarkable healing abilities. These cells likely principally work by being “signaling cells” and releasing growth factors. These growth factors have the ability to turn on/off genes that are critical to healing.  Through this modulation of growth factors, we can enhance the body’s natural ability to heal.

What is BMAC?

BMAC stands for Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate. BMAC is considered a regenerative therapy because the concentrate assists with both healing acceleration and tissue regeneration. This component of a patient’s own bone marrow contains growth factors and anti-inflammatory proteins which have been shown to promote bone and soft tissue healing as well as reduce symptoms of pain related to injuries, tendinitis and arthritis.

What knee injuries or conditions can be treated with biologic therapy?

It’s important for patients in Vail, Aspen and the and the surrounding Denver, Colorado communities to consult with an orthopedic specialist and team who has extensive and successful experience in administering biologic treatments to treat a variety of knee injuries. The Steadman Clinic and Dr. Armando Vidal are thought leaders on the benefits of biologic treatment. Some of the knee conditions that have shown successful results when treated appropriately are:

• Articular Cartilage Damage
• Osteoarthritis of the Knee
• Meniscus Injuries
• Knee Inflammation and Pain
• Soft Tissue Damage
• Knee Ligament Injuries

Orthopedic Knee Surgeon

Have you experienced a severe injury to the knee? Recent surgical advancements have allowed for many different procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, to repair various knee injuries. With so many different options, it is important to speak to a doctor to find the best treatment plan for your injury. Orthopedic knee surgeon, Doctor Armando Vidal provides diagnosis and specialized treatment plans for patients in Vail, Aspen and the surrounding Denver, Colorado communities who have experienced an injury to the knee. Contact Dr. Vidal’s team today!