What Are the Different Types of Ortho Biologics?

Dec 05, 2025

Oscar Tellez

Types of Orthopedic Biologics Simplified

Biologics have become an essential part of modern orthopedic care, especially for patients seeking non-surgical solutions to bone, joint, and ligament problems. Yet, many people are unsure how these products are categorized or how they fit into orthopedic practice.

In this guide, we’ll clearly explain what are the different types of ortho biologics, how they work, and where they’re used. This helps both patients and healthcare students understand the basics without being overwhelmed by technical language.

If you’re new to the concept of biologics, you can also read our main guide on Biologics in Orthopedics Explained to build foundational knowledge before diving into the categories.

Understanding Orthobiologics vs Regenerative Medicine

Before exploring the types, it’s important to understand what are the different types of ortho biologics and how they differ from regenerative medicine. The terms are often used together, but they’re not identical.

Orthobiologics are biological substances used specifically to support healing in bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They are applied within the scope of orthopedic medicine.
Regenerative medicine is a broader field that covers treatments aimed at supporting tissue repair anywhere in the body—such as skin, nerves, or internal organs.

This means orthobiologics are a focused category within regenerative biologic medicine, used mainly for musculoskeletal care. To see how they are used in orthopedic treatments, check our guide on Orthopedic Biologics: Uses and Benefits.

Category 1 – Cell-Based Biologics

Cell-based orthobiologics use living cells to stimulate repair and tissue response. These cells are collected from the patient’s own body (autologous) or from donor sources (allogeneic). They are often used when the goal is to support regeneration at a cellular level.

Common examples

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC): Contains mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors. Used for cartilage injuries, bone defects, and chronic tendon damage.
Adipose-derived cell concentrates (microfat or stromal vascular fraction): Collected from small fat samples and processed for their reparative cell content.

Clinical role

Applied to non-healing bone fractures or chronic tendon issues
May support new cell formation and reduce inflammation at injury sites

While cell-based options are still being studied, they are an important part of the future of orthopedic biologics.

Category 2 – Platelet-Based Biologics

Platelet-based biologics are derived from the patient’s own blood and are among the most widely used orthobiologic therapies. They focus on using platelets to deliver growth factors that signal the body’s natural healing processes.

Common examples

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Created by spinning the patient’s blood in a centrifuge and concentrating the platelets.
Platelet lysate: Processed platelets that release growth factors more rapidly than traditional PRP.

Where they are used

Tendon injuries (tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy)
Ligament strains
Early-stage joint arthritis

PRP and other platelet-based options are especially common in sports medicine. For their role in managing joint pain, you can explore Biologics for Joint Pain Relief.

Category 3 – Tissue-Derived Biologics

Tissue-derived orthobiologics are harvested from human or animal tissues and are mainly used in surgical settings where structural support is needed.

Common examples

Autografts: Tissue taken from the patient’s own body (e.g., bone grafts from the pelvis).
Allografts: Donated tissue from human tissue banks (used in ACL reconstruction, spinal fusion, etc.).
Demineralized bone matrix (DBM): Processed bone material that stimulates bone growth.

Clinical role

Provide a physical scaffold for new tissue growth
Help repair bone defects, fractures, or large ligament tears
Commonly used during orthopedic surgeries or trauma reconstruction

Category 4 – Supportive Substances

Supportive substances are biologically derived materials that help improve the local environment around damaged joints or tissues. While they don’t contain living cells, they help create conditions for healing and comfort.

Common examples

Hyaluronic acid (HA): A natural lubricant found in joint fluid. Used in viscosupplementation injections for knee osteoarthritis.
Collagen-based scaffolds: Provide a framework for new tissue to grow around.
Synthetic or natural scaffolds: Used during cartilage or ligament reconstruction.

Role in orthopedics

Cushion joints
Improve mobility in arthritis patients
Support tissue healing after surgery

To learn more about how these supportive materials are used during procedures, see our guide on Biologics in Surgery and Recovery.

How These Four Types of Biologics Work Together

Although they are described as separate categories, these different types of ortho biologics often work best in combination. Understanding what are the different types of ortho biologics can help patients see how each plays a role in overall recovery plans.

A surgeon might use platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate healing while using an allograft tissue graft to provide structure.
Hyaluronic acid injections may be used alongside cell-based treatments to improve joint cushioning and reduce inflammation.

This combination approach reflects real orthopedic practice—supporting the body’s repair process from multiple angles rather than relying on one method alone.

If you’d like a more structured overview, you can also read The Four Main Types of Biologics Explained.

Safety and Evidence Considerations

Because biologics come from human tissues or cells, they must be handled carefully and used under strict safety guidelines.

In the U.S., most orthobiologic products are regulated by the FDA under the HCT/P (Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products) framework.
They must be processed using sterile technique to prevent infection.
Clinics offering these therapies need trained staff, dedicated preparation equipment, and clear documentation protocols.

Evidence is growing but still evolving. Some biologics (like bone grafts) have decades of clinical data, while others (like stem cell concentrates) are still being actively researched. This is why many are considered supportive rather than curative treatments.

Key Takeaways

Orthobiologics are biological materials used specifically to support musculoskeletal healing.

The main categories are:
1. Cell-based biologics – stem cells, bone marrow concentrate
2. Platelet-based biologics – PRP, platelet lysate
3. Tissue-derived biologics – grafts, demineralized bone matrix
4. Supportive substances – hyaluronic acid, scaffolds
These therapies can be used individually or in combination to help repair bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
They are not instant cures but may improve recovery and reduce the need for invasive surgery.

By understanding what are the different types of ortho biologics, patients and healthcare students can have informed conversations with their providers and make decisions based on realistic expectations.

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.