Orthobiologics (PRP and Stem Cell Therapy)

Orthobiologic treatments are used by orthopedic physicians to help heal injuries and conditions using the body’s own biological factors. Under the umbrella of regenerative medicine, orthobiologic therapies include innovative approaches such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and stem cell treatments. These forms of orthobiologics can be used to progress healing for many orthopedic-related problems, from injured muscles, tendons, and ligaments to fractures, and more.

At EmergeOrtho—Triangle Region, our board-certified physicians are skilled and knowledgeable in the practice of orthobiologic treatments. In some cases, PRP and Stem Cell treatments can be used in an effort to prevent surgery or the use of prescription medication.

How Do Orthobiologic Treatments Work?

As previously mentioned, orthobiologics are used and intended to help heal injuries and conditions utilizing high-concentrations of the body’s own healing mechanisms. Many people have familiarity with regenerative medicine linked to athletes with sports injuries. Tiger Woods, Alex Rodriguez, Steph Curry, and Rafael Nadal are a sampling of athletes who have taken advantage of the healing properties offered through orthobiologic therapy.

At EmergeOrtho, we offer patients the following types of regenerative medicine:

• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
  PRP is full of rich platelets found in the blood. In fact, the concentration of platelets found in PRP is five to ten times greater in growth factors than what is found in blood alone. To extract PRP, your physician draws a small portion of your blood and places it in a centrifuge. As the blood spins at a high speed, the platelets become even more concentrated. The concentrated PRP treatments are then injected around or near the injured area.

• Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC) Stem Cell Therapy
  Stem cells are unique in their ability to turn cells in your body into other types of cells. This is particularly valuable for areas of the body where an increase of repair cells are needed for healing. To complete stem cell therapy, your physician utilizes a special syringe attached to a long needle to extract bone marrow from your hip. The collected sample then goes through a filter and is placed in a centrifuge. The stem cells separate from the bone marrow once the centrifuge spins at a high speed. This concentrate is then injected into the injured area.

• Lipogems Adipose (Fat) Transfer
  Lipogems refers to an FDA-approved medical device that extracts fat (adipose tissue) from the patient’s abdomen, side, or thigh. The cells within this fat can be used to help repair and replace damaged and injured tissues. Once your physician takes a sample of adipose tissue, it is then processed using special equipment that activates the cells. The processed concentrated solution is then injected into the injured area of the body.