Summary: This podcast episode from the HMP Global Learning Network’s Podiatry Today series features a clinical discussion focused on the use of biological therapies in foot and ankle pathology — including their application to chronic wound care, soft tissue healing, and musculoskeletal conditions of the foot and ankle. Biologics in this context encompass a range of products including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), amniotic membrane and amniotic fluid allografts, cellular and/or tissue-based products (CTPs), growth factors (such as PDGF, FGF, EGF, VEGF), and injectable biologics used in tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and periarticular joint pathology. The podcast format allows clinicians to explore practical questions around patient selection, evidence base and quality (many biologics carry Level II or III evidence in foot/ankle applications), regulatory classification (FDA 361 HCT/P vs. 510(k) clearance status for wound-indicated products), reimbursement pathways, and the integration of biologics into existing wound care or orthopaedic foot protocols. HMP Global Learning Network is a leading medical education platform whose Podiatry Today content reaches podiatric physicians, wound care nurses, and foot and ankle surgeons. The full episode audio and any associated slides or resources are accessible via the HMP Global Learning Network website, which requires JavaScript to load content. Wound care clinicians managing plantar DFUs, chronic non-healing wounds, or foot and ankle tendon/soft tissue pathology will find this a useful continuing education resource for staying current on biologic adjuncts to standard care.
Key Highlights:
- Biologics overview: PRP, amniotic membrane allografts, CTPs, and growth factor therapies are increasingly used in foot and ankle pathology — for both wound healing and musculoskeletal applications including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and peroneal pathology
- Evidence landscape: many biologic applications in foot and ankle carry Level II–III evidence; the podcast discusses how to interpret and apply this evidence in practice, and where stronger RCT data are emerging (particularly for CTPs in DFU healing)
- Regulatory context: FDA classification distinctions between 361 HCT/P minimal manipulation products and more complex biologic/device combinations affect how products are evaluated, approved, and reimbursed in clinical practice
- Patient selection: appropriate candidate identification is key — biologics are typically positioned as adjuncts for wounds or conditions that have failed standard care, with patient factors (perfusion status, infection, diabetes control) influencing expected outcomes
- Wound care integration: amniotic membrane products and growth factor therapies are increasingly incorporated into DFU management protocols, particularly for stalled or non-healing ulcers — the episode contextualises when and how to sequence biologics within a comprehensive wound care plan
- Access note: the HMP Global Learning Network platform requires JavaScript and may require free account registration to access full podcast audio — available at hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/podiatry/podcasts
Keywords: biologics wound healing, PRP foot ankle pathology, amniotic membrane DFU, growth factor therapy wound, podiatry biologics clinical, cellular tissue based products wound
HMP Global Learning Network / Podiatry Today