More spine and orthopedic surgeons are bringing regenerative medicine to their practices.
Here are five biologic treatments that have debuted since 2021:
1.Richmond-based OrthoVirginia's Adam Crowl, MD, performed the first spinal fusion in clinic with the ViBone Moldable cell bone matrix. It was designed by Aziyo Biologics to protect native bone cells and promote bone growth. It features cancellous bone particles as well as demineralized cortical bone fibers and particles.
2. Rishi Wadhwa, MD, of Shreveport, La.-based Specialists Hospital, completed the first implantation of Ventris Medical's Allocell AF allograft. The allograft was designed with broad, augmented bone fibers, and each lot underwent osteoinductivity verification.
3. Butte-based Montana Orthopedics' Anthony Russo, MD, became the first spine surgeon in the U.S. to implant Kore Fiber, a demineralized cortical fiber allograft. Kore Fiber is an aseptically-processed cortical bone matrix with significant handling characteristics.
4. Jonathan Glashow, MD, performed the first anterior cruciate ligament restoration with the Bear implant in October. The implant, from Miach Orthopaedics, does not require a second surgical wound to remove a healthy tendon from the leg. It acts as a bridge between the ends of a torn ACL, and the implant is absorbed into the body within eight weeks.
5. Brian Domby, MD, of Florida Medical Clinic in Brandon, started using the MACI regenerative procedure for cartilage repair. The procedure regenerates a patient's own hyaline cartilage.