Potential Benefits and Applications
Dr. Jones is excited to offer cutting edge biologic treatments for various orthopedic ailments. As a fellowship trained Orthopedic Surgeon, he has the expertise to appropriately apply these treatments that many of the “stem cell clinic” providers simply do not possess.
There are many musculoskeletal problems where there is not a surgical “fix”. This led Dr. Jones to research alternative treatments for these conditions over 10 years ago. This research led him to many studies being performed in Europe that were exploring the role of utilizing biologics (PRP, Bone Marrow Concentrate) to enhance the patient’s ability to heal degenerative tendon injuries. Dr. Jones has been performing biologic treatments ever since, and has seen amazing results.
This field of medicine is changing rapidly, and Dr. Jones is constantly reviewing his treatments and protocols in order to provide his patients with the best treatments.
Applications (Stand alone and surgical adjunct)
Biologic treatments such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), bone marrow concentrate and umbilical cord products offer patients a chance to improve symptoms and potentially enhance their healing potential for a variety of orthopedic problems. When applied appropriately, there are times when these treatments can allow patients to improve their quality of life while avoiding surgery. In some cases, they can be combined with surgery to enhance and improve outcomes.
These biologic treatments have the potential to help a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
Tendon Injuries
- Medial and Lateral epicondylitis
- Rotator cuff injuries (as a stand alone treatment for partial tears or as a surgical adjunct for repairs)
Ligament Injuries
- Knee Medial Collateral Ligament Tears
- Elbow Ulnar Collateral Ligament Partial tears
- Other joints as well
Osteoarthritis
- Used either as a stand alone treatment or as a surgical adjunct during arthroscopy
Muscle injuries
- Hamstring partial tears
Spine
- Degenerative disc disease
Although biologic treatments are still very new, early research is showing benefit for treating a variety of orthopedic conditions. In some cases, they actually enhance healing. In other cases (arthritis for example), their benefit is in diminishing symptoms and slowing the progression of the problem.
What is the cost of biologic therapies?
The cost of treatment varies depending on the site of the injection and which therapy is being performed. Unfortunately, Medicare and other private insurance companies do not cover these biologic treatments as they consider them experimental. Therefore, they are direct expense to the patient. In an effort to make these cutting-edge treatments available to more patients, I make every attempt to make them as affordable as possible while still utilizing the best equipment and products available.
Am I a candidate for a biologic therapy?
If you have been diagnosed with one of the above or other orthopedic conditions, I am happy to discuss your particular case. You will be given an honest opinion as to whether I believe that you would benefit from one of these therapies either as a stand alone procedure, or as an adjunct to surgery. My goal is to provide the best possible outcomes for my patients.
What are the most common applications?
Osteoarthritis
- Stand alone procedure – used to diminish inflammation, pain and swelling as well as slow progression of disease
- As an adjunct to arthroscopy for cartilage debridement or meniscectomy, I typically recommend incorporating bone marrow concentrate (BMC), or umbilical tissue products. My experience has shown that incorporating one of these treatments helps patients with arthritis or chondromalacia have a better and quicker recovery after arthroscopy.
Meniscal tears
- BMC is typically used in conjunction with arthroscopy to aid in healing of repairs or to help prevent progression of arthritic changes
Ligament injuries
- BMC or PRP can help speed up and improve healing of ligament tears, for example MCL tears of knee or partial tears of UCL in elbow
Tendon injuries
- Both PRP and BMC has been shown to improve healing and recovery in medial and lateral epicondylitis of the elbow
Rotator Cuff Tears
- BMC and PRP can be used as an adjunctive therapy during rotator cuff repair, and in my experience, has shown improved healing and a more rapid recovery
BMC and PRP can also be used as a stand alone treatment for certain types of partial rotator cuff tears.
If you have questions regarding your particular case, you may email me directly at: dr.jones@coloradosportsdoctor.com
