Description
This VTT transcript features a discussion led by Fares Haddad, the president of the British Orthopedic Sports Trauma and Arthroscopy Association, focusing on the evolving field of biologics in sports medicine. The session begins with Haddad reflecting on previous presentations and the absence of some key speakers, namely Philip and Scott, which leads into an exploration of the various perspectives on biologic treatments within sports trauma and orthopedics.
Iain Murray opens the discussion by highlighting the balance between advancements in biologic treatments and the potential risks involved, especially in relation to minimally manipulated point-of-care preparations. He emphasizes the need for transparent communication regarding the terminologies used in biologic treatments, noting the confusion that arises from terms like "stem cells" being applied loosely.
The dialogue then moves into the practicalities of patient education. Daniel Saris provides insights from his work at Mayo Clinic, advocating for comprehensive discussions with patients to align their expectations with the realities of biologic treatments, particularly emphasizing that many treatments are still experimental.
Geoff Abrams joins in to discuss the impact of media representations of biologic treatments, especially their prominence among professional athletes, which influences broader community interest and understanding. He reinforces the notion that educational efforts are essential to mitigate fledgling practices in sports medicine that may not be adequately backed by scientific evidence.
As the conversation progresses, key topics such as the regulation of biologics, the necessity for more rigorous clinical trials (favoring level 1 evidence), and the subjective patient outcomes concerning pain and functionality are extensively discussed.
Towards the end, the discussion broadens to cover future directions in biologic research, including cell signaling roles of mesenchymal stem cells (MSEs) and their implications on healing processes. The panelists collectively assert that while there are still many unanswered questions about the biology of these treatments, it is a field ripe with potential for improving patient outcomes in sports medicine.