AAOS experts call for more evidence in orthobiologics

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recently held the 2026 Orthobiologics Symposium in Seattle to address the growing interest in orthobiologic therapies. Held alongside the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) Annual Meeting, the event focused on the need for rigorous scientific evidence to guide the use of these rapidly evolving treatments.

Experts at the symposium emphasized that while many orthobiologic therapies show promise, a significant number still lack sufficient evidence to support widespread clinical use. Symposium co-chair Jason Dragoo, MD, FAAOS, noted the importance of helping clinicians distinguish between genuine innovation and therapies that have not yet been validated by rigorous science.

Keynote speaker Thom Mayer, MD, medical director for the NFL Players Association, advocated for prioritizing the ‘Voice of the Player-Patient.’ He stressed that medical innovation should not outpace shared decision-making and that the perspectives of athletes are essential when evaluating emerging treatment options for recovery and return to play.