Orthobiologics in San Antonio, TX

What Are Orthobiologics?

Orthobiologics are substances derived from your own body — or from processed biologic sources — that are used to enhance tissue healing in tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone. They represent a growing field at the intersection of regenerative medicine and orthopedic surgery, and they range from well-studied applications with robust clinical evidence to emerging techniques where the data are still developing.

I use orthobiologics selectively and evidence-based. I am not a regenerative medicine center that offers injections as a substitute for accurate diagnosis and appropriate care. I use these tools where the evidence supports them and I tell patients honestly when the evidence does not yet support a particular application.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP is a concentration of your own platelets prepared by spinning a blood draw in a centrifuge. Platelets contain growth factors that signal tissue repair. When injected into a site of chronic tendon pathology or early cartilage wear, PRP provides a concentrated biologic stimulus that the tissue's own healing response cannot generate.

The strongest evidence for PRP in orthopedics is in chronic lateral epicondylitis, early osteoarthritis and selected tendinopathies. I use PRP under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement and to verify that the injection reaches the intended target. I do not use corticosteroid as a substitute — the short-term relief of steroid comes at the cost of tissue quality with repeated use.

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Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC)

BMAC is drawn from the posterior iliac crest — the back of the pelvis — and concentrated before injection. It contains a mix of growth factors, cytokines and, in appropriate patients, mesenchymal stem cell progenitors. I use BMAC in cases where the tissue damage is more significant than PRP alone would be expected to address — larger cartilage lesions, early avascular necrosis and as an adjunct to certain surgical procedures.

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Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Treatment (ADSC)

Adipose-derived treatments use processed fat cells as a source of biologic material. This remains an evolving area. I discuss it as an option where appropriate but am transparent about the current evidence limitations compared to more established biologic treatments.

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What Orthobiologics Are Not

Orthobiologics do not regrow a torn ACL, repair a massive rotator cuff tear or reverse end-stage arthritis. They are most effective in the early-to-mid disease window, before structural damage is severe enough to require reconstruction or replacement. I tell patients clearly when they are beyond the window where biologic treatment alone is likely to provide meaningful relief — because spending money and time on a treatment that will not help is not in your interest.