Treatments
Orthobiologics
Regenerative injections used in musculoskeletal problems are called orthobiologics. The orthobiologic substances consist of cells, proteins, glycoproteins, and complex carbohydrates naturally found in the body.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) obtained from a patient’s blood, and Stem Cells derived from each patient’s own bone marrow or fat tissue are the most widely used orthobiologics.
Physicians at Turan Turan commonly use orthobiologics for a quicker recovery and sometimes to delay major surgery. These injuries and conditions may include arthritic joints, broken bones, or injured muscles, tendons, or ligaments. When orthobiologics are used, they may enhance the healing process by decreasing inflammation, pain, and stiffness and improving the patient’s ability to function.
The Orthobiologics Program at Turan Turan Hospital aims to provide advanced treatment options with a sound scientific foundation.
PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) injections
Blood is composed of a fluid component called plasma that can be separated from the small, solid components (red cells, white cells, and platelets). PRP means the prepared plasma has more platelets per volume than the patient’s own whole blood. As a result, the concentration of platelets can be two to ten times greater (or richer) than the patient’s blood.
When platelets release these substances at the site of damaged or diseased tissues, they accelerate healing by:
- Triggering the growth of new tissues
- Preventing the degeneration of healthy tissues
- Reducing inflammation
- Attracting mesenchymal stem cells to regenerate new tissue
PRP injections use your own plasma, platelets, and modulating factors (which are inside the platelets) to promote a healthier joint environment. There are different kinds of PRP injections, some with low white blood cell count and some with high white blood cell count. Each is used for different applications.
These injections have been shown to create a less inflammatory environment in the injured body part, which can result in less pain and improved function.
Stem Cell Injections
Stem cell therapy harnesses your body’s natural healing ability by using stem cells to treat musculoskeletal injuries and conditions like arthritis, soft tissue, and bone injuries. In all the stem cell- based treatments, we use cells from your own body, typically derived from bone marrow or fat.
Stem cells are naturally occurring cells in the body that have the potential to turn into other types of cells and body tissues. They also serve an important signaling function, recruiting other stem cells to the target area and triggering nearby cells to begin the repair process.
These adult stem cells have the exceptional ability to help direct the healing of cartilage, tendon, ligament, muscle, nerve, bone, skin, and fat cells — virtually every type of tissue except blood cells.
Contrary to what most people think, including most physicians, stem cells do not work their magic by differentiating into new tissue. Instead, they largely act as high-powered messengers that signal other cells including other dormant stem cells–in and around the damaged tissue to turn on and begin the healing process.
While both PRP injections and stem cell injections are non-surgical treatments used to preserve the joint or restore function potentially, they are not the same treatment. The type of injection used is dependent on the type of injury.
PRP injections may be able to aid in initiating a body’s healing response, although they have no ability to regenerate tissue.
Depending on your injury or condition, your doctor may use a specific injection type. Or if you received a PRP injection and it was not successful, then another cell therapy may be an option.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
- Evidence-based guidelines on orthobiologics (PMID: 40459170)
- A Comprehensive Summary of the Meta-Analyses and Systematic Reviews on Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapies for Knee Osteoarthritis (PMID: 38421752)
- Advanced therapy with mesenchymal stromal cells for knee osteoarthritis: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (PMID: 39360004)
- Mesenchymal stem cells for chronic knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials (PMID: 38777213)