Benjamin R. Pulley, M.D.
President of Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville Arthritis Care, Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon, Hip Reconstruction Specialist
This includes cells, blood components, growth factors, human donor tissue, and other naturally occurring substances that promote the body’s essential ability to heal and decrease inflammation
Yes, additionally this is an area with heavy research interest in continuing to expand and provide effective treatment options for patients who qualify for biologic treatments
Our physicians recommend the safest and most effective biologic treatments based on the patient’s unique history and clinical condition
At OAZ our physicians offer biologic treatments to include platelet rich plasma (PRP) and cartilage transplantation for qualified patients
These biologic treatments can be used as a single treatment, to enhance surgical procedures, or as surgical procedures themselves in certain scenarios.
After a thorough evaluation by our physicians we typically recommend biologic treatment for:
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): A patient’s blood is drawn and then placed in a special device called a centrifuge to separate the platelets and growth factors essential for healing the damaged area. These isolated platelets and growth factors are then injected into the damaged area. In certain situations, PRP can be injected into the surgical site to aid in the healing process
These procedures are typically reserved for the knee but there are isolated applications of these surgical procedures in other joints like the shoulder and elbow
Osteochondral Autograft transplantation: This surgery is reserved for patients with relatively small area of cartilage loss. A small area of a patient’s own healthy cartilage and bone is harvested in a non-weightbearing region and transplanted to the area of cartilage loss recreating the cartilage and bone surface
Osteochondral Allograft transplantation: This surgery is reserved for patients with relatively large areas of cartilage loss. Donor cartilage is shaped to fit perfectly into the patient’s area of cartilage loss recreating the cartilage and bone surface
Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation: This is a two-stage procedure that requires a diagnostic arthroscopy in the first stage to harvest cartilage from the patient’s knee. These cartilage cells are then grown in a lab where they are later implanted during the second stage surgery.
Meniscus Transplantation: This surgery is reserved for patients who previously had their meniscus removed surgically due to injury and now have persistent knee pain and swelling. A donor size-matched meniscus is arthroscopically sewn in place acting as the new meniscus.
Some of these procedures are still considered investigational (experimental) by insurance carriers and may be a self-pay service only.
Gradual breakdown of articular cartilage within a joint. OA is typically caused by wear and tear and worsens over time. It most often occurs in individuals over the age of 50 but can be present in younger patients. Individuals with OA may experience pain, swelling, stiffness and/or limited range of motion.
Physical therapy/activity
Ice
Neuromuscular Electric Stimulation (NMES)
Bracing
Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate oral supplements
Turmeric oral supplement
Injections
President of Orthopaedic Associates of Zanesville Arthritis Care, Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon, Hip Reconstruction Specialist
Total Joint Replacements, Partial Knee Replacements, Carpal Tunnel, and Fracture Care
Total Joint Replacement of the Shoulder, Hip, and Knee, Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair, ACL Reconstruction, and Sports Injuries