The AAOS Optimizing Clinical Use of Biologics in Orthopaedic Surgery research symposium will take place Feb. 15–17, 2018, at Stanford University.

Chaired by Constance Chu, MD, and co-chaired by William J. Maloney, MD; Jeremy Mao, DDS, PhD; Scott Rodeo, MD; and Rocky Tuan, PhD, the purpose of the collaborative and interactive meeting is to develop a collective impact agenda to promote informed regulation and funding of new pathways for the clinical evaluation of biologics.

Specifically, the symposium aims to do the following:

• determine candidate biologic targets for common orthopaedic conditions and injuries
• identify a process, using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a model, to determine what is known about the composition and biologic activity of biologics
• determine the feasibility of establishing a clinical registry to collect data on the use of biologics
• identify regulatory pathways to facilitate their use

Musculoskeletal problems attributed to injuries and aging are the leading cause of disability in the United States.

In recent years, there has been an exponential rise in the use of biologics to treat orthopaedic problems. This rise is primarily due to widespread use of “minimally manipulated” autologous therapies, such as PRP, that are not required to undergo premarket approval/clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Consequently, clinical use of these treatments has greatly outpaced evidence-based research.

Concerns over misinformation and patient safety with respect to the use of biologics have led to recent calls to action, including one from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. These concerns, shared by orthopaedic professional societies and research communities, will be addressed during the symposium.

For more information about the AAOS Optimizing Clinical Use of Biologics in Orthopaedic Surgery research symposium and to register, visit www.aaos.org/biologics.

The registration fee is $500; attendees are responsible for their own airfare and housing expenses.