Orthobiologics and Regenerative Medicine Therapy
The orthobiologic initiative is centered on a reparative or regenerative approach to your orthopedic problem. This approach uses one’s capacity for healing to help in the treatment of your orthopedic injury. Included in these treatments include plasma rich platelet (PRP) therapy and stem cell treatment. These biologic substances when utilized can assist in promoting the healing process. These treatments can act to decrease inflammation and symptoms, as well as simulate healing in soft tissue and tendon injuries. Additionally, they can potentially act slow joint breakdown and decrease symptoms in the arthritic joint. While a clear scientific consensus with these approaches is still being formulated, this area of regenerative medicine has great potential in orthopedic application in lieu of, or in addition to, a surgical approach. The physicians at Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (WOSM) appreciate the potential of this treatment as opposed to, or in combination with surgery, and believe patient education is essential when considering this approach for your orthopedic problem.
Learn more about the different types of orthobiologic treatments:
- Plasma Rich platelets (PRP)
- Autologous Platelet Integrated Concentration (APIC) Injection
- Stem Cell therapy
Insurance Coverage and Pricing
The Orthobiologic field is new and still evolving. Large scale clinical research and experimental trials and studies are currently being conducted and will ultimately guide the use of these treatments in the future. For now, all of these treatments, and those in clinical use at Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine (WOSM) have shown good safety profiles, and appear to have compelling benefits for our patients. Unfortunately, in many cases, because large scale studies are lacking, these procedures are not covered by health insurance plans. In those cases, we have worked to make our pricing fair and competitive when compared to other centers. Please contact your surgeon to discuss implementing OrthoBiologics in the treatment of your joint pain!
It is with a grateful heart that we announce Dr. Anthony Unger’s retirement, effective December 31, 2024. As a founding member of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Dr. Unger has had the privilege of forming lasting relationships with many patients and their families. It has been a true honor for him to provide care across multiple generations, and he deeply values the trust placed in him by so many.