AAOS Experts Demand Scientific Rigor in Orthobiologics

The symposium, held alongside the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Annual Meeting, gathered researchers, regulators, and team physicians to confront the widening gap between rapid innovation and clinical validation. Experts warned that while certain orthobiologic applications show potential, many treatments currently lack the robust scientific backing necessary for broad adoption.

Keynote speaker Dr. Thom Mayer, medical director for the NFL Players Association, urged the medical community to prioritize the "Voice of the Player-Patient." He argued that innovation must not outpace shared decision-making, emphasizing that athletes' perspectives are critical when navigating emerging options. This sentiment was echoed by a panel of physicians representing elite organizations, including the New York Yankees, Chicago Bulls, and the LA28 Olympic Games. They collectively stressed that transparent reporting and multidisciplinary research are the only responsible paths forward. To support this transition, the AAOS is expanding its educational resources through its OrthoInfo platform, aiming to provide patients with clear, evidence-based metrics to evaluate treatment safety and efficacy.