Orthobiologics for the Knee
Orthobiologics for the knee are advanced regenerative treatments that use the body’s natural healing properties to reduce pain and support tissue repair. Mark S. Adickes, MD offers orthobiologic treatments in Houston, Texas, helping patients manage knee pain, improve function, and explore non-surgical options for recovery.
How Do Orthobiologics Work?
Orthobiologic treatments work by concentrating healing cells and growth factors and delivering them directly to the injured area. This may help:
- Reduce inflammation in the knee joint
- Stimulate tissue repair and regeneration
- Improve joint function and mobility
- Slow the progression of degenerative conditions
These therapies aim to create an optimal biological environment for healing rather than simply masking symptoms.
Use of orthobiologics to treat knee injuries or conditions is known as orthobiologics for the knee.
Orthobiologics are natural substances such as cells, tissue, blood components, and growth factors that are used to aid in the treatment of orthopedic injuries or conditions. They may be used to replace lost tissue, stimulate regeneration, accelerate healing, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve joint function. They are mostly obtained from your own body or sometimes from a donor and may be administered in the form of injections or may require a surgical procedure. Orthobiologics may be used alone as conservative treatment or following orthopedic surgery to enhance results.
When are Orthobiologics for the Knee Indicated?
Orthobiologics for the knee are indicated for the treatment of knee injuries and conditions, such as:
- Articular cartilage injuries
- Early osteoarthritis
- Ligament injuries
- Tendon injuries
Orthobiologics are usually recommended when rest, medications and physical therapy do not relieve symptoms and joint replacement surgery is not indicated.
Types of Orthobiologics
Some of the different types of orthobiologics include:
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): PRP is obtained from your own blood after it has been processed to concentrate platelets and certain white blood cells that enhance healing and reduce inflammation. PRP may be injected directly into the damaged tissue during an outpatient procedure or following repair surgery.
- Bone marrow aspiration concentrate (BMAC): BMAC is obtained after processing bone marrow that is removed from your pelvic bone. BMAC is rich in specialized cells, which produce proteins and growth factors necessary for healing and reducing inflammation. Specialized cells are cells that can develop into a particular type of tissue or organ. While there are various types of specialized cells, the ones located in the bone marrow are regarded as the best at promoting musculoskeletal healing.
- Adipose tissue: Adipose tissue or fat cells have remarkable healing and regenerative properties. They are typically obtained from your waist, processed to remove impurities and inflammatory components, and then injected at the site of injury.
- Amniotic products: Amniotic tissue products such as amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid can reduce inflammation and promote healing in tissues due to their cellular content and presence of hyaluronic acid. They are available as injections or patches. Many researches have indicated that amniotic products are capable of reducing pain and inflammation in joints afflicted with osteoarthritis.
- Autologous cell therapy: In this type of orthobiologic, a blood sample is extracted from a vein in your arm and a sample of bone marrow is obtained from the pelvis through a needle. Subsequently, platelets are isolated from the blood sample and specialized cells are isolated from the bone marrow sample. After preparation, these 2 components are injected into the affected knee region using advanced imaging guidance.
Procedure Involved with Orthobiologics for the Knee
Administration of orthobiologics for the knee is typically performed through an injection of the orthobiologics into the knee. During the procedure, you will be seated or will lie on your back with the affected knee flexed or extended. The skin over the injection site is sterilized and numbed with a local anesthetic. The injection containing the orthobiologics is inserted into the affected knee. In some cases, ultrasound imaging is used to help guide the needle to the correct site.
Postoperative care
Postoperative care will include the following instructions:
- Avoid strenuous activities for a couple of days.
- Apply ice on the injection site for comfort.
- Rest, elevation, and medicines are recommended to relieve pain and swelling.
- Gentle range of motion exercises is recommended.
Risks and Complications
Orthobiologics for the knee is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any procedure, there may be some complications, such as:
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Swelling
- Blood clots
What Knee Conditions Can Be Treated?
Orthobiologic treatments may be used for:
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Ligament injuries (ACL, MCL)
- Meniscus injuries
- Tendonitis and chronic inflammation
- Cartilage damage
They are often considered for patients seeking to delay or avoid surgery while improving joint function.
Orthobiologic Treatment Recovery Timeline
Recovery varies depending on the treatment, but most patients can expect:
- First few days: mild soreness or swelling
- 1–2 weeks: gradual improvement in pain and function
- Several weeks: continued healing and mobility gains
- 2–3 months: optimal results as tissue repair progresses
Because these treatments rely on biological healing, improvement may occur gradually over time.
Benefits of Orthobiologics for the Knee
- Minimally invasive alternative to surgery
- Uses the body’s natural healing processes
- May reduce pain and inflammation
- May improve joint function and mobility
- May delay or avoid knee replacement in select cases
Orthobiologics are increasingly used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for knee conditions.
Why Choose Mark S. Adickes, MD for Orthobiologic Knee Treatments?
Patients choose Dr. Adickes for his expertise in sports medicine and regenerative therapies. As a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and former professional athlete, he understands the importance of restoring mobility, reducing pain, and helping patients return to an active lifestyle. His approach focuses on precise diagnosis and individualized treatment planning.
Serving Houston and Surrounding Communities
Conveniently located in Houston, TX, this practice serves patients throughout the region, including Katy, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Memorial, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthobiologics for the Knee
What are orthobiologics used for?
They are used to treat knee pain, injuries, and degenerative conditions by promoting natural healing and reducing inflammation.
Are orthobiologic treatments safe?
Most treatments use the patient’s own biological material, which reduces the risk of adverse reactions, though outcomes can vary.
How long does orthobiologic treatment take?
Procedures are typically completed in under an hour and performed on an outpatient basis.
When will I see results?
Some patients notice improvement within weeks, with continued healing over several months.
Can orthobiologics replace knee surgery?
In some cases, they may delay or reduce the need for surgery, but they are not appropriate for all conditions.
Are orthobiologic treatments covered by insurance?
Many treatments are considered elective and may not be covered by insurance.
If you are experiencing knee pain, injury, or early arthritis, schedule a consultation with Dr. Mark Adickes to learn whether orthobiologic treatments may be the right option for you.
