Your Biologics Specialists

Blood is made up of cells (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets) that are suspended within fluid called plasma. Platelets are best known for their ability to clot blood, but are also very rich in proteins called growth factors that stimulate healing. Platelets are made in the bone marrow and freely pass through the bloodstream. When injury occurs, platelets become activated and migrate to the injury site and release growth factors. Platelet rich plasma (PRP), is simply that, plasma with a high concentration of platelets. PRP injections are performed in our office. We use a simple process involving a single blood draw followed by centrifugation to concentrate the platelets and exclude the other unwanted blood products. The PRP solution is then injected into the affected area stimulating rapid and more effective healing.

LIPOGEMS(R) (www.understandlipogems.com) is a single-use, FDA cleared device for harvesting, processing and injecting adipose tissue (commonly known as fat tissue). Fat naturally contains a rich network of cells and tissues that help with injury repair. The Lipogems(R) system has been cleared by the FDA to process Microfragmented Fat TM to repair injured or damaged tissue and provide cushion and structural support. In a minimally-invasive procedure, the physician will make a tiny puncture through your skin and collect a small amount of fat from either your midsection or “love handles”. Next, the collected fat will be processed in the unique Lipogems device using only sterile saline solution to remove contaminants. During this process, your fat is washed, rinsed and resized into smaller clusters while keeping the natural beneficial properties of your fat. Since the Lipogems process micro-fragments the fat, the size of Lipogems tissue is ideal to facilitate healing in the treatment site(s). The physician will then use a small needle to inject the Lipogems tissue into the treatment site. For patients that suffer from orthopedic issues in multiple areas of their body, the Lipogems device can easily process the fat tissue to be used in those areas.

Alpha 2 Macroglobulin (A2M) is a protein found naturally in our blood, though the size and complexity of the molecule prohibits A2M from accessing our joints in therapeutic quantities. A2M acts as a protease inhibitor by binding to and inactivating damaging proteases in our bodies. Proteases are enzymes with catabolic qualities, meaning that they break down larger molecules into smaller units. This is good in some cases, however there are proteases that live in our joints that catabolize cartilage-breaking it down and causing arthritis. A2M is especially effective in arthritic joints, as it can trap the proteases that are degrading the cartilage, destroy them, and flush them out of our bodies. A2M is isolated from your own blood through a centrifuge spin and filtering system, allowing us to inject a large volume of A2M directly into the joint. This high concentration of A2M will help the body to destroy the harmful proteases, neutralizing the joint and providing pain and inflammation relief.

Bone marrow is a soft spongy tissue found in the center of our large bones. In adults, marrow produces red and white blood cells, as well as other plasma components. Bone marrow harnesses the body’s natural healing process through the aid of growth factors within the marrow, known as mesenchymal signaling cells. These cells are considered “pluripotent”, meaning they are undifferentiated and can replicate themselves into various tissue and cell types. By introducing these pluripotent cells into the injured area, marrow is able to initiate a healing response by the body, helping to repair damaged tissue.