The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons on Oct. 15 introduced the AAOS Biologics Dashboard to help physicians keep up to date with the approval status of biologic innovations.
As regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies become increasingly popular in orthopedics, the society has emphasized the need to provide credible sources for evidence-based information.
"These new tools further validate AAOS' leadership in separating science from hope with the goal of helping patients receive the highest quality of evidence-based care," said David Jevsevar, MD, chair of the AAOS committee on devices, biologics and technology.
The online platform combines the most recent clinical evidence with FDA guidance.
Users enter four characteristics of a particular product, including the tissue type it's derived from and whether it's autograft or xenograft, and the dashboard produces a red, yellow or green color to indicate the regulatory status of the product.
Stem cell-based products, platelet-rich plasma and bone marrow aspirate concentrate have demonstrated potential to regenerate tissue, accelerate bone healing and reduce pain. However, there is a significant lack of clinical data for these recent innovations.
While rising in popularity, the FDA has not approved PRP or BMA for any indications in the treatment of any pathology, including osteoarthritis and spinal fusion.