#USA #Rosemont #Knee Osteoarthritis #Orthobiologics #American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

AAOS Launches New Orthobiologics Registry

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) has announced the formation of a groundbreaking registry designed to gather evidence on orthobiologic treatments for knee osteoarthritis. With approximately 32.5 million American adults experiencing symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, the need for reliable data on treatment options has never been more pressing. The newly created AAOS Orthobiologics Registry (OBR) intends to assess the long-term safety, efficacy, and real-world outcomes of various orthobiologic therapies.

Addressing a Critical Evidence Gap

Currently, the medical costs associated with knee osteoarthritis exceed $65 billion annually. Despite the rising popularity of orthobiologics—methods that utilize the body’s natural healing capabilities, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments—data on their effectiveness is limited. The AAOS OBR emphasizes gaining comprehensive insights into how these therapies perform in real-world settings.

Dr. Jason Dragoo, chair of the AAOS OBR, highlighted the urgency of this initiative, stating, “As orthobiologics continue to grow in popularity, we need facts, not fiction, about their effectiveness.” The registry aims to empower orthopedic surgeons with robust evidence to determine which patients can benefit most from these innovative therapies.

A Comprehensive Registry Framework

The AAOS OBR is designed with robust data collection protocols aimed at tracking patient-reported outcomes over time. This will include unique aspects such as:

• - Research-focused framework with patient consent
• - Centralized follow-up for completion of patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs)
• - Integration with the BARB Biorepository for biological sample analysis
• - Standardized hemoanalyzer configurations
• - Adherence measures to ensure data quality

Industry Collaborations for Innovation

To solidify the technical foundation of the OBR, AAOS has formed strategic partnerships with Elimu Informatics and PatientIQ. These collaborations will enhance the registry's infrastructure, enabling better data management, analysis, and reporting.

Edna Shenvi, a senior clinical informatician at Elimu Informatics, expressed excitement about the potential of the registry to foster scientific research that drives patient care. Matthew Gitelis, CEO of PatientIQ, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of high-quality clinical data in developing evidence-based practices.

The Need for Biologics Research

The establishment of the Orthobiologics Registry aligns with AAOS's broader commitment to advancements in the field of biologics. Since their strategic investment in 2019, AAOS has prioritized research to create unbiased information that guides orthopedic practices. As new therapies gain traction due to their regenerative potential, credible sources of evidence become vital.

With over 18% of individuals aged 55 and older suffering from knee osteoarthritis, the social and physical effects of this condition are profound. The OBR seeks to fill a crucial gap in knowledge, guiding treatment decisions and prescribing practices to enhance patient outcomes across the board.

Conclusion

The AAOS OBR aims to make significant strides in our understanding of orthobiologics by driving evidence-based care for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis. As data collection commences at initial pilot sites, there is hope of illustrating new, effective pathways for treatment that can improve the quality of life for millions of Americans. Interested parties can visit the AAOS website for additional insights on the role of biologics in treating musculoskeletal injuries.