The Regenerative Medicine Orthopaedic Summit (RMOS) brought together leading experts in orthobiologics and musculoskeletal care from across the globe for an exchange of cutting-edge research and clinical insights. Here are our top takeaways from this years’ meeting:
Correlating PRP Metrics with Outcomes is Key to Success
Dr. Don Buford hinghlighted the importance of standardizing PRP preparation metrics to improve clinical outcomes, emphasizing that platelet dose, concentration, and recovery efficiency are critical variables. He showcased how detailed hematology analysis, including platelet and WBC counts, aids in optimizing PRP protocols. Dr. Buford also shared the role of data tracking through registries in correlating these metrics with patient outcomes, referencing his use of DataBiologics to document key parameters.
Regulatory Adherence and Ethical Marketing Is Essential to Ensure Trust
Dr. Scott Bruder stressed the importance of staying compliant with FDA regulations and ethical marketing practices in the field of orthobiologics. He warned against using unapproved products like SVF and exosomes, misleading claims of "stem cell therapies," and off-label promotional materials, as these practices can lead to severe legal and financial consequences.
"FDA doesn’t govern how you practice medicine,” Bruder shared, but he also advised that clinic’s marketing materials must be on label and they should challenge reps for documentation on their products.
Why There’s a Paradigm Shift from Steroids to Orthobiologics
Dr. Glenn Flanagan emphasized the importance of shifting from steroid dependency to orthobiologics for musculoskeletal treatments, citing growing evidence that PRP is as effective as or better than steroids for many conditions without the associated long-term side effects. He discussed how corticosteroids provide a "false sense of security" by masking pain temporarily while potentially exacerbating chronic conditions like metabolic syndrome.
He advocated for a functional, patient-centered approach, highlighting the need for shared decision-making and sparing use of steroids. He also shared how DataBiologics’ co-founder Dr. Chris Rogers' presentation on evidence-based medicine impacted his approach: "It changed the way I practice medicine and the way I talk to patients on a day-to-day basis," Dr. Flanagan said.
Comprehensive Treatments Lead to Better Outcomes
Dr. John Knab highlighted the benefits of using orthobiologics like PRP and prolotherapy in managing SI and facet joint pathology. He stressed the importance of a comprehensive treatment approach, stating, “We rarely treat these things in isolation,” and described how his clinic combines injections targeting multiple spinal and ligament structures to maximize outcomes.
Furthermore, he showcased data from the DataBiologics registry, which his clinic has used for the past two years to validate the long-term success of orthobiologic treatments. “It allows us to use validated outcome measures to track results of our patients undergoing these and other orthobiologic procedures, which show excellent pain relief and functional outcomes out to two years and beyond,” Dr. Knab noted.
Personalized Care Requires Listening to Patients
A panel, featuring Dr. Dana Fox, Dr. Mary Ambach, Dr. John Knab, Dr. Glenn Flanagan, and Dr. Peter Michael, emphasized the critical role of patient-centered engagement in orthobiologic treatments. The discussion focused on strategies to build trust, educate patients, and align treatments with their personal goals and expectations.
Dr. Michael shared how relatable success stories and personalized conversations can help patients connect with treatments. “If somebody likes pickleball, I talk about pickleball, and I show people who have responded to their specific injury” says Dr. Michael. “And I show improvements in that with our orthobiologic treatments”.
Dr. Fox highlighted the importance of starting consultations by asking questions and listening to patients, saying, “I found that the best consultations occur when a physician comes in and asks the patients, ‘What do you know about this already?’”
The panelists highlighted the importance of framing conversations around patient aspirations, focusing on how treatments can improve pain, function, and overall quality of life. They emphasized the importance of demonstrating the potential impact of orthobiologic care on their daily activities and long-term goals.
DataBiologics had a great time at the RMOS Summit connecting with current customers, meeting new doctors, learning about the latest research, and engaging with med device partners. Thank you to Rowan Paul, M.D., Bashir Zikria M.D., M.Sc., and Prof.dr. Alan Ivković, MD, PhD for organizing a great summit!