Orthobiologics are treatments that use substances from your own body, such as concentrated platelets, to support the healing of tendons, ligaments, muscle and cartilage. Dr. Andrew Dold, a double board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon who has treated professional athletes from the NFL, NBA, NHL and PGA Tour, has published peer-reviewed research on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and injectable biologic treatments, and has lectured to physicians on PRP and cell-based therapies. His approach is evidence-based: he recommends orthobiologics where the research supports them and is candid about where it does not.
Dr. Dold’s published research on orthobiologics
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared from a small sample of your own blood. The blood is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which contain growth factors involved in the body’s natural healing response. The concentrated PRP is then injected into the injured or painful area.
Dr. Dold will also discuss other orthobiologic options, including cell-based therapies, when appropriate, along with what the current evidence does and does not show.
Research on PRP has grown rapidly, and the results depend on the condition being treated and how the PRP is prepared. Some of the most encouraging research involves knee osteoarthritis and certain tendon conditions, while results for other uses are mixed. PRP does not regrow cartilage that has been lost to arthritis, and it is not the right choice for everyone. Drawing on his own research, Dr. Dold helps each patient decide whether PRP fits their diagnosis and goals, and how it can work alongside physical therapy and other treatments.
PRP is an in-office procedure. After your blood is drawn and processed, the PRP is injected into the treatment area, and most patients go home shortly afterward. Soreness for a few days is common. Dr. Dold may ask you to avoid anti-inflammatory medications for a period before and after the injection and will give you guidance on activity and rehabilitation. Improvement typically develops over several weeks.
PRP is made from your own blood, so the risk of an allergic reaction or rejection is very low. The most common side effect is soreness at the injection site for a few days. As with any injection, there is a small risk of infection.
It depends on the condition being treated. Some patients receive a single injection, while others benefit from a short series. Dr. Dold will recommend a plan based on your diagnosis and the research for that condition.
PRP works gradually. Most patients notice changes over several weeks, not days, and a structured rehabilitation program often plays an important role in the result.
PRP is often not covered by insurance. Our team will review the cost with you before treatment.
Many cell-based treatments are still being studied, and the claims made about them vary widely. Dr. Dold will give you an honest assessment of what the current evidence does and does not support for your condition.
Dr. Dold sees patients at Star Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, 6700 Dallas Parkway, Suite 100, Frisco, Texas, from Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Prosper, Allen, Dallas and across DFW. Call 469-850-0680 or request an appointment online.
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