This issue of Orthopedic Clinics of North America is especially interesting and exciting, with up-to-date information on some of the newest tools available to orthopedists—orthobiologics. From older patients with total joint arthroplasty to children and adolescents with sports injuries, orthobiologics can enhance healing and, in some situations, induce regeneration of injured tissues.

The effect of cartilage restoration techniques on subsequent total knee arthroplasty is explored by Drs Frank, Della Valle, Plummer, Chalmers, and Cole, while Drs Zeineddine, Frush, Z. Saleh, El-Othmani, and K. Saleh review the current concepts and advances in the use of tissue engineering in the treatment of degenerative joint disorders that often require total joint arthroplasty.

The use of orthobiologics in trauma patients is thoroughly reviewed in three related articles on bone substitutes, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), and bone marrow aspirate. Drs Russell and Insley describe the biochemistry and surgical application of bone substitute material, particularly the newer calcium phosphate materials, and present a guide for proper selection and application. Drs Barcak and Beebe review the current recommendations, trends, and complications of the use of BMP in orthopedic trauma, and Drs Schottel and Warner report the increased use of bone marrow aspirate in trauma situations.

A number of orthobiologic materials have been used in pediatric patients, including autograft and allograft bone, demineralized bone matrix, BMP, growth factors, stem cells, plasma-rich protein (PRP), and ceramic grafts. Drs Murphy and Mooney give a concise overview of the use of these materials in pediatric orthopedic surgery, especially of the spine, foot, tibia, and pelvis, as well as bioabsorbable implants for fracture fixation. Drs Bray, Walker, and Spence narrow the focus to the use of orthobiologics in pediatric sports medicine injuries, such as tendon, ligament, and cartilage injuries.

Although orthobiologics are used less frequently in the upper extremity than in other anatomical sites, Dr Steiner and Calandruccio review their use for treatment of several hand and wrist disorders as well as the use of PRP and autologous blood injections for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis.

Drs Yeoh and Taylor, and Chao and Pao describe and discuss orthobiologics use in foot and ankle disorders and surgeries, including reconstructive bony procedures and treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Overall, this issue gives you information to help choose and use these promising adjuncts to standard orthopedic techniques. We hope you will find the articles helpful in providing the best care possible to your patients.