The Orthobiologic Institute PRP and Regenerative Medicine Symposium for 2014 is officially over. And this year was by far the most successful and exciting symposium to date. The 5th annual TOBI: The Orthobiologic Institute doubled its numbers from the previous year, with nearly 300 in attendance and over 100 people streaming the conference live on the internet, while featuring more international attendees than ever before. Doctors from 18 different countries converged on the Red Rocks Casino in Las Vegas, travelling from Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay to take part in an international collaboration on regenerative medicine. As always, the lectures featured the most cutting edge treatments and advancements in the field of regenerative medicine and cellular therapy, and yet again changed our perspective about the possibilities for the future. While, the cadaver lab experience provided a unique hands-on experience, providing many doctors a better understanding to apply Ultrasound guided injections, bone marrow concentrate, and PRP into their practices. (Image: Dr. Sampson gives opening remarks)
Here are some of the highlights and trends from the conference:
- The symposium highlighted the potential symbiotic relationship between biologic therapies and surgery. Lectures by Orthopedic Surgeons Dr. Brian Cole, Dr. Neil Ghodadra, Dr. Adam Anz, and Dr. Ofer Levy discussed the applications of PRP and BMC in conjunction with surgery, and the potential effects on increased healing and better surgical outcomes.
- PRP application in the Spine was a very hot topic at this year’s symposium and several lecturers discussed potential future applications and their clinical experiences. Dr. Danielle Aufiero discussed the extensive diagnostic algorithm for low back pain, and how to navigate treatment with biologic therapies. While Spinal Surgeons Dr. Hyun Bae and Dr. Gregory Lutz discussed their clinical research and experiences with PRP for disc regeneration, providing extensive evidence for PRP as a potentially viable option for degerative discs. In addition, Dr. Kristin Oliver added to the spine discussions with her lecture on the use of lumbar disc BMC injections for low back pain.
- Dr. Arnold Caplan, arguably the guru of Stem Cells, took everyone back to school on the science of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, and the cellular mechanisms that will potentially play a role in their therapeutic efficacy.
- Dr. Stanley Lam, travelling all the way from Hong Kong, lectured on his clinical experiences with peripheral nerve hydrodissection using PRP, and blew the audience away with pre/post patient videos, showing immediate benefit from such applications. Many attendees felt this lecture was one of the highlights of the conference, and the direct and immediate impact was shocking and awe inspiring.
- Dr. Imtiaz Ahmad shared his experiences with PRP in professional soccer players from the Tottenam Hotspurs. His comprehensive analysis and rehabilitative approach illustrated the benefits of PRP in elite athletes, and showed how PRP can supplement standard rehab programs to accelerate healing and decrease time off the field.
- Dr. Steven Sampson reviewed clinical results with Bone Marrow Concentrate and its rising potential as the 3rd generation of Orthobiologic therapy for joint disease. In addition, he presented an array of topics to spark curiosity for future applications including: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Biomarkers for Osteoarthritis diagnosis and management, Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for osteoarthritis treatment, and nutritional influence on inflammation.
[Top Images Left to Right: Dr. Sampson and Dr. Ahmad during the ultrasound cadaver lab; Dr. Lana and Dr. Andrade Santana]
[Bottom Image: Dr. Hyun Bae discusses PRP and Spine]
The symposium also featured many firsts, with lectures on emerging therapies for the future:o Dr. Frank Shallenberger presented a 1st for The Orthobiologic Institute, with his lecture of Prolozone cervical injections, a combination of Prolotherapy and ozone therapy.
- Another 1st for the symposium was the lecture on IV nutritional therapy by Dr. Paul Anderson. His experiences shed light on the potential future applications of IV therapy in conjuction with PRP or regenerative treatments as a method for optimizing the body’s healing abilities and overall health.
- Dr. Randy Miller shared his experiences with PRP and adipose applications in cosmetic surgery and aesthetic enhancement, and his results illustrated the extensive applications of biologics outside of the Orthopedic field.
As we look forward to next year’s 6th annual TOBI: The Orthobiologic Institute symposium, we can only expect the excitement around PRP and regenerative orthopedics to build, and a stronger following to attend next year. The field is constantly advancing due to the collaborative efforts of many of The Orthobiologic Institute faculty, and as more and more research continues to emerge, the field is constantly expanding and gaining public awareness. Much can happen between now and the next conference, and trends are showing that biologic therapies are only on the rise. We look forward to seeing everyone next year, and continue to collaborate and network to extend the reach of regenerative orthopedics. Thank you for attending and becoming part of The Orthobiologic Institute Alumni!
