Orthobiologics and hyaluronic acid usage in the Netherlands: an electronic survey of 265 orthopaedic surgeons and sports physicians

Purpose

“Biologic therapies” in the field of orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine, so called orthobiologics, have been gaining significant interest from physicians and patients, with increasing usage over the recent years. The aim of this study is to (1) evaluate the usage of orthobiologics in the Netherlands, (2) to clarify the reasons for the use or non-use of orthobiologics, and (3) the most addressed disease for use of orthobiologics.

Methods

The authors created a 19-quenstion online survey comprised of both closed-ended and open-ended response questions in order to examine the use of and the indication for orthobiologics. The survey was sent to all the members of the Dutch Orthopaedic Association and Netherlands Association of Sports Medicine of which 15% responded.

Results

The majority of the 265 respondents (65%) did not treat patients with or refer patients for treatment with orthobiologics. The most important reasons for not using orthobiologics were the lack of scientific evidence, the lack of good experience, and the lack of insurance coverage. Of the physicians that used orthobiologics, the most used hyaluronic acid (76%) and platelet-rich plasma (27%). Orthobiologics were most used for knee osteoarthritis and medial or lateral epicondylitis.

Conclusion

Although some orthobiologic treatments might be effective and the research interest is growing, our study shows that the majority of orthopaedic and sport physician clinicians in the Netherlands still does not make use of orthobiologics as a treatment option, but almost a third of them is contemplating to start using orthobiologics.

Level of evidence

III.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40634-021-00380-9.

[A woman with a painful right knee]

This case concerns a 62-year-old lady with persistent right knee pain. A conventional radiograph and additional MRI scan showed Hydroxyapatite crystal deposition disease (HADD) of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. This was treated with a course of NSAIDs and functional weight-bearing mobilisation.