Host Joaquin Moya-Angeler sits down with Elizaveta Kon and Laura de Girolamo to unpack the fast-growing field of orthobiologics – biologic therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), used to treat joint and musculoskeletal conditions.

The conversation opens with a quickfire round of ten questions, giving both guests a chance to weigh in on where the field currently stands. One theme comes through clearly: PRP preparation and outcomes still vary significantly from case to case, which makes understanding the underlying pathology essential before recommending treatment.

From there, the discussion turns to why orthobiologics have grown so quickly – a mix of genuine clinical need, biological appeal, and market pressure. Osteoarthritis patients, who often have few good treatment options, are a major driver of this demand. But Kon and de Girolamo are careful to flag the downside of that rapid growth: neither the evidence base nor the regulatory frameworks have kept pace, leaving clinicians and patients alike navigating a fair amount of confusion.

Managing expectations is where the episode spends real time. Biologics can meaningfully improve symptoms and quality of life, but they're not a cure – and both guests stress that clinicians need to communicate that clearly and honestly with patients from the outset.

Looking ahead, the conversation covers where the field is heading next: the potential of gene therapy, the push for standardisation in how products are prepared, and ongoing research into personalised protocols that account for each patient's specific condition.

Kon closes with practical advice for practitioners – stay focused on the individual patient in front of you, and choose biologic products backed by solid evidence.

Papers, books and resources discussed:

More on ESSKA Orthobiologics Initiative: https://www.esska.org/news/593282/ESSKA-Orthobiologic-Initiative-ORBIT-Consensus-Process-on-Blood-Derived-Products-.htm

Optimizing Clinical Use of Biologics in Orthopaedic Surgery: Consensus Recommendations From the 2018 AAOS/NIH U-13 Conference: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328167386_Optimizing_Clinical_Use_of_Biologics_in_Orthopaedic_Surgery_Consensus_Recommendations_From_the_2018_AAOSNIH_U-13_Conference

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In this episode, we explore the advancements in ACL reconstruction with orthopedic experts Andy Williams and Antonio Klasan. Join host Joaquin Moya Angeler as they discuss the seven key elements for successful ACL surgery, the importance of individualised graft selection, and the role of innovative technologies in improving patient outcomes. Discover how understanding associated injuries and rehabilitation can lead to better recovery rates and what the future holds for sports surgery.

Key themes:

• What is needed for a successful ACL surgery
• Individualised graft selection
• Innovations in technology, including 3D planning, robotics and AI
• Return to sport criteria and the importance of a thorough assessment to ensure readiness

Papers, books and resources discussed:

Slocum DB, Larson RL. Rotatory instability of the knee. Its pathogenesis and a clinical test to demonstrate its presence. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1968 Mar;50(2):211-25. PMID: 5642814. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5642814/

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Subscribe to Frontiers in Orthopaedic Surgery to stay at the cutting edge of research, innovation, and clinical practice in orthopedics.

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of knee osteotomies with esteemed orthopedic surgeons Dr. Matthieu Ollivier and Dr. Kristian Kley.

Key themes:

• Historical significance of knee osteotomies
• Misconceptions surrounding them
• Technical aspects of performing osteotomies (e.g. 3D planning software and patient-specific instrumentation)
• Importance of preserving this technique

Papers, books and resources discussed:

"Femoral and Tibial Bony Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries Are Present in More Than 50% of Healthy Individuals." Micicoi G, Jacquet C, Khakha R, LiArno S, Faizan A, Seil R, Kocaoglu B, Cerciello S, Martz P, Ollivier M.
Am J Sports Med. 2021 Dec;49(14):3816-3824. doi: 10.1177/03635465211050421. Epub 2021 Oct 28. PMID: 34710345 Free article. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34710345/

"The Effect of Lateral Extra-articular Tenodesis on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Graft Forces and Knee Stability Compared With Slope Reduction Osteotomy in the Setting of Increased Posterior Tibial Slope." Lemme NJ, Badida R, Molino J, Quinn M, Hague M, Fleming BC, Owens BD. Am J Sports Med. 2025 Jul;53(8):1912-1920. doi: 10.1177/03635465251338236. Epub 2025 May 21. PMID: 40396207  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40396207/

"Posterior tibial slope and further anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the anterior cruciate ligament–reconstructed patient." Webb JM, Salmon LJ, Leclerc E, Pinczewski LA, Roe JP. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2013;41(12):2800–2804. doi:10.1177/0363546513503288 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24036571/

“Considerations of the Posterior Tibial Slope in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction” Nazzal EM, Musahl V, Getgood A, et al. Journal of ISAKOS, 2022 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35653051/

ESSKA European Certification Programme (with Osteotomies Around the Knee Module): https://esskaeducation.org/european-certification?utm_source=esska_educ_certif

"Principles of Deformity Correction" by Dror Paley: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-642-59373-4

"Osteotomy : with an inquiry into the ætiology and pathology of knock-knee, bow-leg, and other osseus deformities of the lower limbs" by William MacEwen: https://wellcomecollection.org/works/dtmhbeus

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In the pilot episode of Frontiers in Orthopaedic Surgery, host Joaquin Moya Angeler sits down with Professor Michael Hirschmann – editor-in-chief of KSSTA Journal – to explore the trends, technologies, and philosophies shaping the future of orthopaedic surgery.

Key takeaways:

• Mentorship is essential for emerging professionals in orthopaedics
• Personalized medicine – not mean value thinking – is the future of orthopaedic research
• AI and robotics enhance surgical capability, but cannot replace the human touch
• Transparency in AI use is critical for maintaining research integrity
• Sports medicine is evolving toward prevention-first, individualized care

Stay curious, stay collaborative – as Professor Hirschmann reminds us, every contribution matters in the scientific community.

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