What Are Biologics in Surgery? Uses and Recovery

Biologics in Surgery and Recovery

Modern orthopedic surgery is no longer just about fixing bones and ligaments—it’s about supporting the body’s ability to heal itself. That’s why many surgical teams now use biologics during and after procedures to help tissues recover faster and more reliably.

Understanding what are biologics in surgery is important for both patients and clinicians. These biologically sourced materials are not painkillers or implants. Instead, they act as support systems that enhance the healing environment inside the body.

📌 Related: Biologics in Orthopedics Explained

Understanding What Biologics Are in Surgery

Biologics are natural, living-based substances used to promote tissue healing. In surgical settings, they are applied during or after orthopedic procedures to support the body’s recovery process.

Biologics used in surgery can come from:

• The patient’s own body (autologous)
  

• Donor tissue (allogeneic)
  

• Processed human or animal tissue (xenografts)
  

Common examples include bone grafts, demineralized bone matrix (DBM), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell concentrates, and amniotic tissue.

When considering what are biologics in surgery, it’s important to remember: they don’t “fix” the injury on their own. Instead, they create a better environment for healing once the surgical repair is done.

📌 Related: Orthopedic Biologics: Uses and Benefits

Types of Biologics Used During Surgery

Several biologics are now routinely incorporated into surgical workflows, especially in orthopedics and sports medicine.

Bone grafts:

• Used in spinal fusion, trauma, and reconstructive procedures
  

• Can be autografts (from the patient) or allografts (from donors)
  

• Provide a scaffold where new bone can grow
  

Demineralized bone matrix (DBM):

• A processed bone product rich in proteins and growth factors
  

• Often packed into voids during trauma or spine surgeries
  

• Supports bone formation without needing a structural graft
  

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP):

• Made from a small sample of the patient’s blood
  

• Applied directly to surgical sites during tendon or ligament repairs
  

• Delivers growth factors that may reduce inflammation and speed early recovery
  

Adipose-derived products:

• Taken from a small fat sample
  

• Used in some soft tissue surgeries for cushioning and biologic activity
  

These materials are considered safe and are typically applied under sterile surgical conditions.

📌 Related: Types of Orthopedic Biologics Simplified

Role of Biologics in Healing After Surgery

The role of biologics in healing extends beyond the operating room. Many biologics are also used during the postoperative phase to continue supporting recovery.

Examples include:

• PRP injections after rotator cuff repair to reduce inflammation and support tendon healing
  

• Stem cell concentrates after ACL reconstruction to encourage ligament repair
  

• Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections after arthroscopy to improve joint lubrication and comfort
  

These treatments aim to shorten downtime, improve tissue quality, and possibly reduce the risk of re-injury.

While outcomes vary between patients, biologics have shown promise in speeding return to activity—especially in athletes and physically active patients.

How Biologics Are Applied in Surgical Workflows

Surgeons integrate biologics into their procedures using sterile, carefully timed techniques:

1. Harvest or prepare the biologic material (blood draw for PRP, bone sample for grafts, etc.)
   

2. Process the material in a centrifuge or biologic system
   

3. Apply it during surgery—injecting into tissues, layering onto graft sites, or combining with scaffolds
   

4. Secure with sutures, anchors, or fixation hardware
   

In some cases, biologics are combined with synthetic implants to provide both structural support and biological activity. This dual approach allows surgeons to address both the mechanical and biological sides of healing.

Safety, Regulation, and Evidence

Because they are used inside the body, surgical biologics are highly regulated. Most are classified by the FDA as Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products (HCT/Ps).

Key safety points include:

• Autologous biologics (from the patient) carry minimal risk of rejection
  

• Donor-derived biologics are screened for disease and sterilized
  

• Sterile technique is critical to avoid infection
  

• Documentation and consent are required for ethical use
  

Evidence for biologics continues to grow, though results can vary between patients. Most studies suggest they are safe and can improve early healing—but they are not guaranteed cures. Surgeons should clearly communicate this to patients.

📌 Related: Biologics for Joint Pain Relief

When Biologics May Not Be Suitable

Despite their promise, biologics are not appropriate for every surgical case. They may not be used when:

• There is an active infection at the surgical site
  

• The patient has uncontrolled systemic illness
  

• The joint is unstable or severely collapsed
  

• The expected benefit does not justify the cost
  

In these cases, surgeons may choose standard surgical repair without biologics. This highlights the importance of individualized treatment planning.

Patient Expectations and Recovery

Biologics can help surgical sites heal more efficiently, but patients should understand what recovery involves:

• Initial soreness and swelling are normal, especially with grafts or PRP
  

• Activity restrictions are still required—biologics don’t eliminate rehab
  

• Healing timelines can range from weeks (for arthroscopy) to months (for spinal fusions)
  

• Physical therapy is often used alongside biologics for optimal outcomes
  

Patients should expect gradual progress. Biologics are not a fast track to instant healing, but rather a supportive tool that can enhance natural recovery.

📌 Related: The Four Main Types of Biologics Explained

Key Takeaways

• Biologics are biologically sourced materials used during and after surgery to support the body’s healing process
  

• Understanding what are biologics in surgery helps patients see why surgeons may choose them in complex repairs
  

• Common examples include bone grafts, PRP, DBM, and stem cell concentrates
  

• They can help shorten downtime, improve tissue quality, and support long-term surgical outcomes
  

• They are not replacements for good surgical technique—but powerful tools when used correctly
  

About Me

I’m Oscar Tellez, I’ve spent the past 10 years working in regenerative medicine. My focus is on advancing safe, evidence-based applications of PRP, fat, bone marrow, birth tissues such as Wharton’s Jelly, exosomes, and cell factors.I share insights designed to help clinicians responsibly integrate regenerative care into their practice while staying compliant with FDA, FTC, and DEA guidelines.

You can connect with me directly on [Website], [LinkedIn] and [Facebook].

DISCLAIMER:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice. Regenerative medicine products and therapies are subject to FDA, FTC, and DEA regulations. Clinicians should verify compliance and consult with qualified professionals before offering these treatments.