Purpose of review: Orthobiologics, including amniotic products, have been gaining interest in the past decade for the treatment of various orthopedic conditions including osteoarthritis. However, the use of biologics is varied and is currently available with minimal oversight or regulation. This review will assess the current state of research that utilizes amniotic products both in vitro and in vivo.
Recent findings: Amniotic tissue derivatives have been shown to have positive effects in animal models for a variety of conditions. Clinical trials are limited with mixed outcomes, yet some recent studies suggest the rationale for continued investigation. While amniotic products appear promising in numerous animal studies, human clinical trials are still lacking. Future studies are needed to assess whether amniotic products have a role in the treatment of osteoarthritis and other orthopedic pathologies.
Keywords: Amniotic fluid; Amniotic membrane; Amniotic suspension allograft; Cartilage; Osteoarthritis.