FIVM Series presents: Advances in orthobiologics in joint injury and cartilage restoration

Orthobiologics for joint injury and cartilage restoration aim to harness the body’s own ability to repair. The term orthobiologics combines “ortho” referring to bones, joints, muscles, and tendons, and “biologics”, healing substances that are naturally derived. There are many products that could be categorized as orthobiologics for treating musculoskeletal disorders, all with both distinct and shared advantages and shortcomings. Often, however, their mechanism of action is poorly understood leading to overly simplified statements of therapeutic efficacy.

On Friday, November 19, Dr. Lisa Fortier will discuss the use of orthobiologics, with this take-home message:  There are many choices available, and while it’s necessary to understand the components in each orthobiologic, the importance of patient variable and accurate timing of intervention cannot be overstated.

Lisa Fortier, DVM, PhD, is the Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA) and The American Journal of Veterinary Research (AJVR) and Publications Division Director at the American Veterinary Medical association. Dr. Fortier is also the James Law Professor of Surgery at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.

Dr. Fortier received her DVM from Colorado State University and completed her PhD and surgical residency training at Cornell. She is boarded with the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and practices equine orthopedic surgery at Cornell University and at the Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists in Elmont, New York.  Her laboratory has a particular interest in translational research including the prevention of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. In addition, Dr. Fortier’s research program investigates the clinical application of stem cells and biologics such as platelet rich plasma and bone marrow concentrate for cartilage repair and tendinosis. 

Dr. Fortier has received the Jacques Lemans Award from the International Cartilage Repair Society, the New Investigator Research Award from the Orthopaedic Research Society, the Pfizer Research Award for Research Excellence from Cornell University, and the SUNY Chancellors Award for Scholarship and Creative Activities. She has served as the Vice President of the International Veterinary Regenerative Medicine Society, and President of the International Cartilage Repair Society.