Orthobiologics are a class of treatments that use cells naturally found in the body to treat joint, tendon and muscle injuries. They work by providing a large dose of anti-inflammatory proteins that attempt to treat your injury through your body’s natural healing process.
Our program’s goal is to remove the aches and pains that are interfering with your life. We want to see you stay active, achieve your goals and maximize your quality of life.
Getting started
Our Sports Medicine physicians will evaluate your condition and medical history to determine if orthobiologics might work for you, and which is the best option.
Orthobiologic treatments are an out-of-pocket expense not covered by most insurance companies.
How it works
Ohio State offers a number of orthobiologic treatment options:
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Our PRP procedure starts by performing a blood draw and isolating the platelets that contain proteins that reduce inflammation and stimulate healing. Our team adjusts the cell content, platelet concentration and volume specific to each patient’s condition. The PRP is then injected into the problem area.
Microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT)
MFAT treatment uses cells that are found in fat to help cushion and support tissue. A small amount of abdominal fat is taken in our office, processed at the bedside to create MFAT and then injected into the treatment site.
Bone marrow concentrate (BMC)
Bone marrow is harvested from the back of the pelvis, in our office. Then, the bone marrow is concentrated to create a solution high in healing cells and anti-inflammatory proteins. Our team adjusts the cell content, platelet concentration and volume specific to each patient’s condition. The BMC is then injected into the problem area.
Learn more about orthobiologics on Ohio State Health & Discovery
Dr. Baria and Dr. Luke explain how orthobiologics, including PRP, use the body’s own cells to promote healing for injuries.
Find out how orthobiologics can help manage conditions like arthritis, joint and tendon pain.
Returning to activity
After each procedure, there can be a down period of one to three days. Your physician will craft an individualized return-to-activity/sport plan for you. Most of our patients resumed their sport and exercise program quickly after their procedure. Treatment benefits are typically seen in the first one to three months.
Why choose Ohio State Sports Medicine for orthobiologic treatments?
Leading advancements: As part of a leading academic medical center, Ohio State Sports Medicine has been involved in multiple clinical trials . We work hard on clinical research to bring you the best possible treatment for the best possible outcome.
Expert care: Our model of care is more than just an injection – we’re working to improve every aspect of your joint health. Our team comprehensively assesses all aspects of your health to improve your quality of life.
Sports Orthobiologics leadership
Michael Baria, MD, MBA, serves as director of Ohio State’s Sports Orthobiologics program and specializes in sports medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Dr. Baria’s medical discoveries have led to dozens of publications, and his current research examines multiple angles of treatment for osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal injuries. His clinical and research interests focus on restoring health to injured tissue, with the goal of stopping the damaging joint process.
As a former collegiate wrestler who’s undergone multiple knee surgeries, Dr. Baria is passionate about helping athletes and active individuals ward off the effects of old injuries and combat the effects of time on injured joints.
