Orthobiologics piqued the interest of spine surgeons and Becker's readers in 2024. Here are four key conversations.
1. What's next for the 'alphabet soup' of biologics in orthopedics?: Thomas Graham, MD, shares his predictions for regenerative medicine in the sports medicine space.
"I think rigorous science will open our minds to these things," he said. "We have a tradition in our specialty of being very tied to metallurgy and polymer science and the mechanics and physics that surround this structural integrity. Whereas biologic adjuvants and some of the orthobiologics have that opportunity to advance us because they would be complementary or supplementary to the good work we do, as long as we don't rely on them too heavily. That's why we need to be scrupulous in our academic rigor with this."
2. Spine surgeons see promise in biologics, regenerative medicine: Spine surgeons discuss areas of biologics that have the most potential to grow.
"Currently, the majority of the biologic market is focused on promotion of arthrodesis in spinal fusion surgeries," Timur Urakov, MD, said. "I would like to see the next wave of development to involve products that promote healing and restoration of native tissues such as joints spaces or disk components."
3. The most underutilized spine biologics: Spine surgeons discuss the orthobiologic tools that physicians should use more.
"Biologics in spine tumor surgery is a key area that needs to be developed," Tiffany Perry, MD, said. "One of the questions I have when I operate on a metastatic tumor to the vertebral body is what should or can I use that is safe for biologics to aid in arthrodesis? Will this biologic survive radiation that the patient will get post-op? Will this biologic potentially promote recurrence of tumor in the bone? Development of a safe biologic to utilize in spine tumor surgery for arthrodesis that will survive the chemotherapy, immunotherapy and radiation post-operatively would be key as patients with metastatic disease are living longer with these diseases."
4. Spine biologics with the most research potential: Spine surgeons discuss the importance of research in biologics and where experts should invest resources.
"The recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (Rh-BMP-2) controversial indications, widespread off-label use and publicized adverse effects doomed this product," Christian Zimmerman, MD, said. "Yet, the results were noticeable. Further scrutiny may ensure the successes needed for so many plagued with degenerative bone pathology and poor healing mechanisms."