Regenerative medicine in orthopedics has developed in the first half of 2022, and many surgeons have a positive outlook toward it.
1. Regenerative medicine in spine surgery is becoming more mainstream, surgeons predict. Many spine surgeons are excited by its potential.
"Although the spine is somewhat still a black box for many people, studies such as SPECT-CT may help localize targets for treatment," Brian Gantwerker, MD, of The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles, said. "It is very exciting to think we are getting closer and closer to mapping pain generators to help better treat patients not just with surgery, but also other current and future therapeutics in the quiver. I look forward to learning more about plasma-rich proteins, stem cells and new therapeutics and how they can play a role in the care of the spine patient."
2. Multiple regenerative products were on the FDA's radar. In the first half of the year, seven orthobiologic products received clearances by the FDA; read coverage of those developments here and here. These approvals pave the way for commercial launches and clinical trials.
3. Market research project industry growth. Two market research groups predict growth in regenerative and orthobiologics in the coming years. A report from Research and Markets expects a compound annual growth rate for the orthopedic regenerative surgical product market is forecast to rise 3.9 percent between 2022 and 2030. Another report from Transparency Market Research expects the orthobiologics market to hit $7.9 billion by 2026.
4. Biologics needs more research. Looking into the next decade, David Kalainov, MD, of Chicago-based Northwestern Medicine, said he expects biologics to grow from its current early stages.
"Much research is still needed to identify safe and effective means of regenerating bone and soft tissues for precise applications," he said. "We are in the early stages of this scientific journey. As orthopedic surgeons, we need to maintain a careful watch over the indiscriminate use of biologic 'regenerative' agents. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons is helping us to maintain this watch. I foresee a great future of combining biology, nano materials, software, hardware and 3D printing to solve numerous problems in musculoskeletal medicine from cartilage, muscle, tendon, ligament and nerve regeneration to infection resistance to brain integration of a biomechanical limb."