The Role of Biologics in Orthopedics: Innovative Pain Relief with Team Sterett
Orthopedic injuries and arthritis are common challenges for active individuals, but advancements in treatment are making pain relief and recovery more effective than ever. One such innovation is the use of biologics—natural substances derived from the body to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Dr. William Sterett, a renowned orthopedic surgeon at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, utilizes a range of biologic therapies tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Let’s break down what biologics are, explore the options available, and understand how they’re revolutionizing orthopedic care.
What Are Biologics?
In sports medicine, the term "biologics" refers to injectable treatments designed to enhance the body’s natural healing processes. These include:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
Steroid Injections (Modern Corticosteroids)
Visco-Supplementation (Hyaluronic Acid)
Each option comes with unique benefits, potential risks, and specific applications for pain relief and injury recovery.
1. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP leverages the body’s own platelets—key components in the healing process—to target injuries and inflammation. Platelets release growth factors and bioactive proteins, which stimulate tissue repair and regeneration.
How It Works:
A small amount of blood is drawn, centrifuged to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, and then re-injected into the injured area.
Applications:
PRP is particularly effective for mild to moderate arthritis and injuries like hamstring or quadriceps tears. It’s most successful in knees with normal alignment and healthy menisci, offering pain relief for up to a year.
“Many of my patients find significant improvement in both pain and mobility with PRP,” explains Dr. Sterett. “It’s an excellent option for those looking to avoid or delay surgery.”
2. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
Stem cells, specifically mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are unspecialized cells that can differentiate into multiple tissue types. Harvested from abdominal fat or bone marrow, MSCs help reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis.
How It Works:
The cells are minimally processed to concentrate growth factors before being injected into the joint. This procedure, often referred to as Bone Marrow Cell Concentrate (BMCC), requires careful planning and pre-procedure medication.
Benefits:
While MSCs cannot reverse arthritis, they can significantly decrease pain for up to two years, with results often improving through the first year.
“Stem cells are a great option for patients seeking longer-term relief from arthritis pain,” says Dr. Sterett. “We may recommend a follow-up injection after six weeks for enhanced results.”
3. Modern Corticosteroids
Steroid injections remain a cornerstone of orthopedic care, but today’s formulations are safer and more effective than the older cortisone treatments.
How They’ve Improved:
Modern corticosteroids provide powerful anti-inflammatory effects with minimal risk of joint damage, unlike traditional cortisone. The recommendation to limit injections to three per year is not due to harm but to explore other treatment modalities if the injections aren’t effective.
Applications:
Corticosteroids are an excellent first-line treatment for inflammation and pain management, offering short-term relief while other therapies, such as physical therapy or surgery, are considered.
“Steroids are a reliable option for managing pain,” Dr. Sterett notes. “They allow patients to stay active and functional as we explore longer-term solutions.”
4. Visco-Supplementation
Hyaluronic Acid (HA), the natural lubricant found in joint fluid, is critical for smooth movement. In arthritic joints, HA levels decrease, leading to stiffness and pain. Visco-supplementation replenishes HA to improve joint function.
How It Works:
HA is injected into the joint, encouraging the lining tissue to produce more HA naturally. This treatment is most effective for mild to moderate arthritis and can provide pain relief for up to six months.
Applications:
Visco-supplementation is ideal for patients with early-stage arthritis looking to delay surgical interventions.
“By improving joint lubrication, we can help patients regain comfort and mobility,” says Dr. Sterett. “It’s a simple yet effective way to reduce pain and improve quality of life.”
Tailoring Treatment to You
With these advanced biologic options, Dr. Sterett and his team ensure that every treatment plan is customized to each patient’s condition, lifestyle, and goals. Whether you’re managing arthritis or recovering from an injury, biologics offer promising solutions for long-term relief and improved function.
Biologics represent the future of orthopedic care, offering minimally invasive treatments with the potential for significant pain relief and healing. From PRP to MSCs, Dr. Sterett’s expertise ensures patients receive the most effective and innovative therapies available.
If you’re interested in learning more about biologic treatments, contact Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery today. Together, we can explore the best options to get you back to doing what you love—pain-free and stronger than ever.
