Biologic Intervention Can Help After Serious Athletic Injury: MD Podiatrist

For athletes who undergo advanced foot or ankle surgery, additional surgical procedures like wound debridement, which involves removing any tissue that is damaged or infected, and wound grafts may be required. A devastating accident can mean an athlete may not be able to return to their sport for a year or longer, but as Daniel Michaels, DPM, a podiatric physician at the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC explained, advanced treatments and techniques can go a long way to aid the healing process.
 
“Biologic interventions like platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate, autologous adipose graft, human amniotic membrane or amniotic membrane can be used as an adjunct to surgical reconstruction,” he said. “These biologics are proven therapies that are safe and used to create a more favorable healing environment.” Once physical therapy begins, Dr. Michaels said athletes will have to endure a long rehabilitation process to regain strength and mobility. Luckily, most top athletes have the tenacity and mental discipline to accomplish this.