TREATMENT OPTIONS
Understanding the TREATMENT
What Is the IOBP Technique?
Your doctor might choose this procedure when you have damage to the underlayer (or subchondral) bone, which can result in bone marrow lesions (BMLs). It is a simple injection procedure that can be performed in a doctor’s office, using your own cells to support subchondral bone healing.
Benefits of the TREATMENT
Why Do Patients and Surgeons Choose the IOBP Technique?
the TREATMENT
How Does the IOBP Technique Work?
Imaging
Your surgeon will first use an MRI scan to identify the site of the subchondral lesion in your joint.
Bone Marrow Harvesting
Your surgeon will collect bone marrow aspirate (BMA) from your joint using a needle. The BMA is then prepared with the Angel system to create concentrated platelet-rich plasma (cPRP), which stimulates your body’s natural healing response using your own cells.1
Preparing the Lesion Site
Using x-ray or ultrasound to pinpoint the location of the lesion, your surgeon will make a small pathway into the bone to reduce pressure and improve blood flow at the lesion site.3
Graft Preparation
The surgeon will then mix your cPRP with a natural bone “scaffold” from a donor to create a biologic graft that will help the bone to repair and rebuild with healthy cells.2
Graft Delivery
The surgeon will inject the special biologic mixture directly into the lesion site to stimulate healing of the subchondral bone.2
Success Rates and Long-Term Outcomes
Can Cartilage Lesions Be Treated Without Surgery?
If your symptoms aren't affecting your daily life, your surgeon may suggest trying non-surgical options first. But if symptoms are getting worse, surgery is usually recommended. Non-surgical options may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or a knee brace to reduce pressure on the joint.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does subchondral bone damage happen?
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Knee structures are highly responsive to the forces placed on the joint. The subchondral bone and bone marrow lesions (BMLs) can be the result of both acute and chronic injuries, including insufficiency fractures, osteoarthritis, persistent bone bruises, avascular necrosis, and osteonecrosis.
Does this treatment prevent joint replacement?
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When subchondral bone damage is left untreated, it can lead to further injury, arthritis, and/or the need for total joint replacement in the future. However, while joint preservation options are designed to regrow healthy bone and help prevent further damage, they are not a 100% guarantee that you will never need a joint replacement in the future. Everyone’s body heals differently, so it is important to talk with your doctor about your specific goals and long-term treatment plan.
Does this treat arthritic conditions?
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The IOBP procedure helps relieve pressure and improves blood flow at the site of bone damage, which can help alleviate pain associated with arthritis.3,5
There are several options available if you have osteoarthritis impacting large areas of the cartilage in your knee, including partial or total knee replacement (called arthroplasty) and/or correction of the alignment of your knee (called an osteotomy).6 It is important to talk with your doctor about these treatment options and if the IOBP procedure is right for you.
Does insurance cover this procedure?
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Please discuss coverage for this and any other treatments with your doctor and insurance company.
For healthcare providers: Arthrex offers reimbursement and claims support. Please visit https://www.arthrex.com/reimbursement/coding-guides for more information.
Need more information?
Learn more about this technique to prepare for a discussion with your doctor.
