Operative Techniques: Orthobiologics in the Treatment/Augmentation of Meniscal Injuries

The meniscus provides an important structural and functional role in the knee, and loss of meniscal tissue to injury can worsen the progression of osteoarthritis. Surgeons are continually trying to find ways to improve healing rates of meniscus tears during operative repairs, one of which include orthobiologics such as platelet rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), fibrin clots, and intercondylar notch microfracture. Each of these orthobiologic therapies attempt to increase the number of growth factors in the knee that may positively impact meniscus healing after repair. This review will discuss the evidence surrounding each of these orthobiologics in relation to operative meniscal repair as well as PRP in nonoperative meniscus tear management.