Orthobiologics / Regenerative Medicine

What is Regenerative Medicine?

The American Medical Society of Sports Medicine (AMSSM) defines regenerative medicine as an “interdisciplinary therapeutic approach that aims to repair, replace, regenerate, and/or rejuvenate lost, damaged, or diseased cells, tissues, organs to restore or establish normal form and function.”

What are Orthobiologics?

The American Medical Society of Sports Medicine (AMSSM) defines orthobiologics as the “use of biological substances to enhance biological healing of orthopedic injuries or alter the natural course of an orthopedic disease.” Orthobiologic treatments have not been authorized by the FDA and are considered experimental by the FDA.

What are common substances used in regenerative medicine and orthobiologics?

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is plasma obtained from the patient’s own blood that has a higher platelet concentration than whole blood. Lipoaspirate (MFAT) is obtained from the patient’s adipose tissue which contains a high concentration of mesenchymal signaling cells (MSCs) which are believed to have
anti-inflammatory, proangiogenic, and proliferative effects, though their mechanism is poorly understood. Alpha-2 Macroglobulin (A2M) is a protein that is found in your blood that can help stop the inflammatory and cartilage degradation pathways that cause joint pain and progression of arthritis. A2M can be isolated from your blood through a blood draw and then is injected at higher concentrations into
your painful joint. Perinatal products are often what people think of when a person says they have received a “stem cell” injection. These products are usually derived from umbilical cord blood, amniotic tissues, and Wharton jelly. These are currently not legally available in the United States outside of FDA approved trials.

Are orthobilogic treatments covered by my insurance?

These treatments are currently considered experimental and are not covered by insurance.

What conditions are orthobiologics used to treat?

There are a variety of acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions that orthobiologics are being used to treat. They are often used to treat osteoarthritis, tendon problems and acute muscle injuries. Ask your physician if your condition or injury could potentially benefit from an orthobiologic treatment.

What experience does Dr. Negaard have with orthobiologics?

Dr. Negaard developed an interest in regenerative medicine early in his medical training and further developed his skills and experience with orthobiologics during his Sports Medicine Fellowship. Since fellowship, he has continued to look for ways to use orthobiologics to help treat his patients. He believes that patients should fully understand the potential benefits, limitations and the scientific studies for
these products on various conditions. Dr. Negaard believes in the basic science, future of the
technology and promise these products have shown to help patients. This is why he remains engaged with up-to-date information in the field by being a member of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) subcommittee on regenerative medicine and orthobiologics, in addition to being a member of the Biologics Association. Additionally, Dr. Negaard is actively engaged in research in regenerative medicine and collaborates with colleagues across the country.

Orthobiologic Offerings:

We are tracking patient clinical outcomes. What does that mean?

We use a secure data tracking system called Data Biologics. You'll receive an email to complete a survey the day of the treatment and a few months post treatment. This data allows us to compare our patient outcomes to other providers across the country to help us better modify our protocols and individualized treatment plans.

Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics provides exceptional care tailored to our patients’ needs. With over 40 years of experience, our team of providers and clinicians know the importance of putting patients first. Our flexibility and comprehensive services mean you can see a physician, get diagnostic imaging, and start treatment all in one convenient location. Contact us today to request an appointment.  We’ll help you take the next step toward a pain-free life.