What is Orthobiologic Treatment for a Meniscus Tear?
Orthobiologics are products manufactured from biological substances that are naturally present in the body. These products are used to repair the damage to the musculoskeletal tissues like muscles, bones, and tendons. The meniscus is a c-shaped cartilage present between the shinbone and thighbone that act as a shock absorber and helps in stabilizing the knee. A tear in the meniscus may result in stiffness, pain, and swelling. Orthobiologics may be used as a conservative treatment to stimulate healing of the meniscus tear or after meniscal surgery to enhance surgical outcomes.
Indications of Orthobiologic Treatment for Meniscus Tear
Orthobiologics are usually recommended when joint replacement is not advised and when conservative treatment methods like rest, medications, and physical therapy do not relieve the symptoms. Some of the causes of meniscal tears include:
- Sports injuries
- Automobile accidents
- Fall from heights
- Twisted knee
- Joint damage
- Strenuous exercise
Types of Orthobiologic Treatment for Meniscus Tear
Some of the common types of orthobiologics include:
- Cell therapy: Cell based therapies from bone marrow or fat tissue containing stem cells have increasing evidence that it modulates inflammation, decrease pain, stimulate healing and tissue proliferation and increase blood flow to injured region
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): PRP is derived from blood after it has been processed into platelets and white blood cells and improves healing and reduces inflammation. This is directly injected into the damaged tissue during an outpatient procedure or after surgery.
Procedure for Orthobiologic Treatments for a Meniscus Tear
The procedure for orthobiologic treatment for a meniscus tear includes the following steps:
- The cells are obtained from the blood, bone marrow or adipose tissue. The process is described in more detail in another section.
- The cells and/or tissue are cleansed, prepared and concentrated through a specialized process that is FDA approved.
- The skin over the injection site will be sterilized and numbed with local anesthesia.
- The injection containing orthobiologics will be inserted into the affected knee and an ultrasound will be used that helps to guide the needle to the correct location.
Post-Procedure Care
Post-procedure care will include the following instructions:
- You will most likely be able to return to work the next day following your procedure.
- You will need to take it easy and avoid any load-bearing activities for at least two weeks following your procedure.
- You will need to refrain from taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a while as this can affect the healing process of your body.
- You may apply ice to the injection site for comfort.
- Rest, elevation and medicines are recommended to relieve pain and swelling.
- A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your overall progress.
Risks and Complications
Orthobiologic treatment for a meniscus tear is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any procedure, there may be some complications, such as:
- Infection
- Soreness at the injection site
- Allergy from the medications
Advantages of Orthobiologic Treatments
The advantages of the orthobiologic treatments include:
- Simple, minimally invasive outpatient procedure
- No hospitalization
- Minimal to No risk of rejection
- Faster healing and long-lasting recovery
