Orthobiologics
Amniotic, Umbilical Cord, and Birth-Tissue Products | Oklahoma City
Amniotic, umbilical-cord, and Wharton's jelly products are available for selected patients. These products are not FDA-approved to treat orthopedic conditions, and accurate regulatory and product documentation is reviewed before any use.
What Are Amniotic and Umbilical Orthobiologic Products?
Amniotic and umbilical-cord products are derived from birth tissue collected at the time of planned cesarean delivery with informed donor consent. They contain a matrix of proteins, growth factors, cytokines, and hyaluronic acid that may modulate inflammation and support tissue repair. The specific composition varies by product and manufacturer.
These products are distinct from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC). They are allogeneic — meaning they come from a donor rather than the patient — and are processed and stored as off-the-shelf injectable or surgical adjunct products. They are not the same as autologous orthobiologics prepared from the patient's own blood or bone marrow.
The clinical evidence for amniotic and umbilical products in orthopedic applications is early-stage. Published studies are limited in number, size, and follow-up duration. These products are not a substitute for established treatments and are considered only after a thorough evaluation of the patient's diagnosis, prior treatment history, and realistic goals.
How these products compare
PRP / PRFM
Autologous — prepared from the patient's own blood. Concentrated platelets and growth factors. SELPHYL PRFM is the leukocyte-poor formulation used by Dr. Blythe.
Bone Marrow Aspirate (BMAC)
Autologous — harvested from the patient's iliac crest. Contains mesenchymal progenitor cells, platelets, and growth factors.
Amniotic / Umbilical
Allogeneic — donor birth tissue. Off-the-shelf injectable matrix. Not FDA-approved for orthopedic indications. Evidence is early-stage.
Conditions Evaluated for Amniotic and Umbilical Products
Amniotic and umbilical orthobiologic products may be considered as an adjunct in selected patients with the following conditions. Evaluation includes a review of imaging, prior treatment history, and the specific anatomy involved.
Knee osteoarthritis
Patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who have not responded to corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections and are not yet candidates for total knee replacement may be evaluated for amniotic or umbilical product injection as an adjunct option.
Shoulder and rotator cuff pathology
Selected patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy, partial tears, or shoulder osteoarthritis may be evaluated. These products are not a substitute for surgical repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears in appropriate surgical candidates.
Hip osteoarthritis and labral pathology
Patients with early to moderate hip osteoarthritis or labral irritation who are not yet candidates for hip replacement may be evaluated. Evidence in the hip is limited and patient selection is individualized.
Tendon and soft-tissue injuries
Chronic tendinopathy of the Achilles, patellar, or elbow tendons, and selected soft-tissue injuries that have not responded to physical therapy and standard injection therapy, may be considered for evaluation.
Sacroiliac joint degeneration
Patients with confirmed sacroiliac joint degeneration who are not yet candidates for SI joint fusion may be evaluated for amniotic or umbilical product injection as a temporizing measure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regulatory Disclosure
The FDA has stated that regenerative products marketed from amniotic fluid, umbilical sources, and Wharton's jelly are not approved to treat orthopedic conditions. This does not mean these products are unavailable, but it does mean that accurate regulatory and product documentation must be reviewed and disclosed before any promotional claims are made.
These products should not be described as containing live stem cells unless that statement is specifically supported by validated product documentation and legally appropriate regulatory authorization.
Product names, manufacturers, FDA registration or authorization documents, intended use, and evidence are reviewed at consultation. Questions about orthobiologic treatment options can be discussed at your evaluation.
For more information on the FDA's position on human cell and tissue products, see FDA: Human Cells, Tissues, and Cellular and Tissue-Based Products (HCT/Ps). See also Orthobiologics overview and PRP injections in Oklahoma City.
Schedule a Consultation
Questions about orthobiologic treatment options can be discussed at your evaluation.