Orthobiologics such as platelet-rich-plasma, and stem cells have gained popularity as treatments for knee osteoarthritis over recent years. Orthobiologics are cells, blood components or growth factors which claim to promote healing and decrease inflammation. Platelet rich plasma and stem cell injections are an expensive treatment and there is a paucity of rigorous evidence to support the use of them in people with OA. On this episode of Joint Action, we are joined by Dr. Brian Cole to unpack the controversial topic of osteoarthritis orthobiologics.

Dr. Brian Cole is an orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush and a Professor of Orthopaedics, Anatomy and Cell Biology at Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Cole is Managing Partner of Midwest Orthopaedics and is the Department’s Associate Chairman and the Section Head of the Cartilage Research and Restoration Center. He is the Chairman of Surgery at Rush Oak Park Hospital and leads the Rush Orthopedic Master’s Program. Dr. Cole is the 2020 President of the Arthroscopy Association of North America.