Orthobiologics: Fact or Fiction?
Tulsa Bone & Joint is on the cutting edge of orthobiologic therapy. Patients can rest assured that our physicians take an honest, direct approach to this treatment.
While “orthobiologics” are an exciting medical breakthrough, the treatment is not yet covered by insurance since it is not FDA approved. Our physicians are upfront about that fact and about sharing with a patient how effective they expect the biologics therapy to be.
“Orthobiologic” injections are never a cure for arthritis, for example.
“I believe these biologic injections are here to stay, and we will have more indications for orthopedic use as more research emerges,” says Tony Jabbour, MD. “We strive at Tulsa Bone & Joint to have honest discussions with our patients based on scientific proof.”
Dr. Jabbour has used Autologous Conditioned Plasma or ACP to treat pain in his own knees, but he is careful to point out that the treatment is not an arthritis cure. ACP has been proven to decrease knee arthritis inflammation in an FDA-sanctioned study. ACP is still not covered by insurance.
“There is also lots of misinformation regarding what is truly an “orthobiologic” (bone marrow, fat) versus growth factor injections (platelet rich plasma – PRP, ACP, or concentrated amniotic fluid). We are extremely cautious on when to recommend them. PRP has been shown in a peer-reviewed study to treat chronic tendon problems such as Tennis Elbow. PRP is still not covered by insurance,” Dr. Jabbour says.
“Be careful if someone is pushing you hard to pay thousands of dollars in their office or at a so-called seminar. Most claims regarding knee arthritis, at these seminars, have not been confirmed to be cures. The graphics on some marketing videos or lectures can be dazzling. Please get your doctor to stick to the facts. They need to be honest about this still being an investigational treatment without FDA approval, and not covered by insurance. Be cautious if your medical information and indications’ source is from Facebook or other social media,” Dr. Jabbour says.
The physicians at Tulsa Bone & Joint who practice orthobiologics believe there is a place for such treatments, but that they need to be conducted in a safe, professional and ethical manner.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with one of our credentialed physicians to discuss the possibility of orthobiologic treatments, call 918-392-1400.
