ORTHOPAEDICS • GUWAHATI
What Are Orthobiologics?
A Patient's Guide
Dr. Firoz Ahmed, MS Orthopaedics
Updated: Apr 2026
The term Orthobiologics refers to a group of nonsurgical therapies which occur naturally and are used to repair and regenerate various damaged body tissues like cartilage, tendons, ligaments etc in a safe and biological manner.
It is one of the most promising and advanced yet completely natural forms of medical therapies.
Focus on Non-Surgical management of Bone and Joint diseases to delay and/or avoid surgery.
- Pioneer in Orthobiologics in North East
- Advanced Minimally Invasive Techniques
- Complete Rehabilitation support
- Trusted by patients across Guwahati, Assam, and North East India.
Types of Orthobiologics
Platelet Rich Plasma – Packed with plaelets and growth factors
Ozone, Hydrogen etc
BMAC
Bone Marrow Aspiration Concentrate – packed with stem cells
GFC
Growth Factor concentrate
Who is the Right Candidate for Orthobiolocis therapy?
Case selection is very important to get optimum results. Active individuals with mild to moderate disease can get very good results.
It is beneficial in:
- Mild to moderate Knee Osteoarthritis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Tennis/ Golfer’s Elbow
- Hip AVN
- Partial tears of ACL/ PCL
- Meniscus tears
- Shoulder Rotator cuff tears
Where Orthobiologics will not work?
Although results are usually very good, Orthobiologics is not a cure-all or magic solution. It must be used judiciously in appropriate cases.
- Active infection
- Malignancy
- Blood disorders
- End stage tissue damage
- Significant deformity
Benefits of Orthobiologic therapy
The biggest benefit is that it stimulates the natural healing process of the body and reduces or delays the need for surgery.
- Minimally invasive, no stitches
- No admission – usually performed as a daycare or OPD procedure
- High degree of safety
- Low risk of complications
- Cost effective
What Does Research Say?
PRP for knee osteoarthritis has been studied in multiple randomized controlled trials. A 2021 meta-analysis in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that PRP injections produced significantly better pain and function scores compared to hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) at 6 and 12 months.
Similar encouraging results are reported across multiple studies for different conditions. It remains one of the most actively researched and evolving areas in orthopaedics.
Some cell-based therapies are still in the investigational phase.
How are Orthobiologics prepared?
Molecular agents like ozone are generated using medical-grade equipment.
PRP is prepared from a small sample of blood, BMAC from bone marrow, and MFAT from fat tissue.
- The sample is centrifuged in a hospital lab
- A concentrated preparation rich in growth factors is obtained
- This is then injected into the affected area
Safety and Risks
Orthobiologics generally have a high degree of safety due to their natural origin and biological compatibility.
However, strict sterile precautions are essential. Ideally, procedures should be performed in a hospital OT setup to minimize the risk of infection.
Expected Recovery Timeline
- Mild discomfort at the injection site for 24-48 hours, which usually resolves on its own
- Healing process typically takes about 3-6 weeks
- Clinical improvement usually occurs within 6-12 weeks
Medical review by Dr Firoz Ahmed, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics) – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Guwahati.
Last Updated: Apr 2026
Medical Disclaimer:
Dr Firoz Ahmed
Sports Injury Specialist and Joint Preservation Surgeon
OPD: Mon–Sat | 9 AM – 4 PM
Location: ARHI Hospital, Jorabat (near Guwahati, Khanapara)
Wish to know more about Non-Surgical Orthobiologic Therapy??
Contact us now!