Biologics

What Is Biologic Treatment?

In orthopedics, biologic treatment uses materials made from or found in living sources to help support healing in the musculoskeletal system. That includes the bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments that help you move, lift, walk, reach and stay active.

For orthopedic care, biologics are usually discussed when pain or injury may involve tissue that needs time and support to heal. These treatments are different from biologic medications used for autoimmune arthritis or other inflammatory diseases. They are not recommended for every condition, but they may be part of a care plan after your doctor reviews your symptoms, health history and goals.

What Is PRP Orthopedic Treatment?

PRP orthopedic treatment is a type of orthopedic biologics care that uses platelet-rich plasma from your own blood. Platelets are blood cells that help with clotting. They also contain growth factors, which are proteins involved in the body’s normal healing process.

In orthopedic care, PRP may be discussed as a platelet-rich plasma treatment for certain muscle, tendon, ligament, bone or joint concerns. Because PRP comes from your own blood, it is called an autologous treatment. This means the material is taken from you, prepared and then placed back into the area being treated.

How Does PRP Injection Therapy Work?

PRP injection therapy starts with a small sample of your blood. That blood is placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins the blood to separate the platelets from the rest of the sample. The platelet-rich portion is then injected into the area being treated.

Before PRP Injection Therapy

Before treatment, your orthopedic doctor will review what has been bothering you, where you feel pain or limited movement and what treatments you may have already tried. Your medications and health history may also be reviewed because they can affect whether platelet-rich plasma PRP therapy is appropriate.

This is also the time to ask what PRP may help with, what it may not help with and what to expect afterward. Results can vary depending on the injury, the joint involved, your overall health and how the PRP is prepared.

During PRP Injection Therapy

During the visit, blood is drawn from your arm and prepared in the centrifuge. Once the PRP is ready, it is injected into the affected area. In some cases, ultrasound guidance may be used during the injection. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of tissues inside the body, which can help guide where the injection is placed.

After PRP Injection Therapy

After the injection, it is common to have some soreness, swelling, bruising or increased pain at the injection site for a few days. Your doctor may give you instructions about cold compresses, activity limits or certain medicines to avoid for a short time.

PRP therapy recovery time can vary. Some people may need several weeks before they can tell whether symptoms are improving. Your doctor may also talk with you about follow-up care, including whether physical therapy or a gradual return to activity should be part of your plan.

Do I Qualify for PRP Therapy?

You may qualify for PRP therapy if your orthopedic doctor finds that it fits your diagnosis, health history and treatment goals. Your evaluation may include a review of your symptoms, medications, activity needs and treatments you have already tried. You may be considered for PRP therapy if you have:

• A chronic tendon injury that has not improved enough with other nonsurgical care
• Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
• Certain sports-related muscle, tendon or ligament injuries
• A condition where biologic injections may be appropriate for your care plan
• Symptoms where a nonsurgical orthopedic treatment option may be considered before surgery

PRP may not be recommended for every patient or every condition. Some concerns may be better treated with physical therapy, bracing, medication, other injections or surgery. Your doctor can also talk with you about possible soreness after the injection, activity limits, medication instructions and insurance coverage, since some plans may not cover PRP therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthopedic Biologics