An Evidence-Based Approach to Orthobiologics for Tendon Disorders

Many studies have outlined the safety and effectiveness of orthobiologics for the treatment of tendinopathies; however, ample evidence is still lacking to consider these interventions to be standard of care. The most compelling data are for the treatment of CET and PF. PRP and MSCs should be considered in refractory cases of tendinopathy after exhausting conservative measures or could be considered as an adjunct for pain reduction, whereas a patient is undergoing conservative management. Future RCTs, preferably with investigational new drug approval, with long-term follow-up, are imperative to determine the ideal treatment protocol (ie, formulation, number and frequency of injections), type of orthobiologic, and patient characteristics.