AANA Biologic Lab Course 2026

AANA/BA Orthobiologics Ultrasound Lab Course

Surgical and Non-surgical clinicians: $2,199

Advanced Practice Providers: $1,499

About this course

Dates: October 10-11, 2026 | Credits : 14.25* | Location: The Westin O’Hare Rosemont, Illinois

The AANA/BA Orthobiologics Ultrasound Lab is an intensive two-day, hands-on course designed for Orthopaedic Surgeons and sports medicine specialists seeking to expand their clinical orthobiologics practice with confidence and precision. Combining focused didactic instruction with extensive ultrasound-guided procedural training, this course covers the full spectrum of orthobiologic applications - from platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, and adipose-derived (MFAT) therapies to advanced ultrasound-guided injection techniques across the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee.

Day One covers the science and clinical application of orthobiologic agents, ultrasound-guided shoulder and elbow procedures, and relevant regulatory considerations. Day Two focuses on hip and knee ultrasound anatomy and technique, subchondral injection for bone marrow lesions and strategies for ethically integrating orthobiologics into practice. Both days include extensive hands-on lab time with live models in a low-ratio, high-repetition format.

What you will learn

Describe the basic science underlying platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate concentrate and adipose-derived (MFAT) orthobiologic therapies, including their proposed mechanisms of action in musculoskeletal healing.
Differentiate among available orthobiologic preparations and select the appropriate biologic agent based on patient presentation, tissue target and current evidence.
Identify relevant ultrasound anatomy of the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee as it pertains to safe and accurate procedural guidance.
Demonstrate proper technique for ultrasound-guided injection procedures of the shoulder, elbow, hip and knee using live models under faculty supervision.
Apply subchondral injection technique for the management of bone marrow lesions of the knee and hip.
Evaluate current evidence regarding the use of biologic augmentation in surgical procedures and integrate this evidence into clinical decision-making.
Summarize current regulatory considerations governing the clinical use of orthobiologic therapies.
Develop a practical, ethical framework for introducing and discussing orthobiologic treatment options with patients in an office-based setting.
Analyze clinical case scenarios to refine diagnostic and treatment reasoning for patients who may benefit from orthobiologic intervention.

Who should attend

SPECIALTIES	Orthopaedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, Musculoskeletal Surgery
CLINICIAN TYPE	Orthopaedic Surgeons, Sports Medicine Physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, including PAs and NPs, Fellows
LEVEL	Early career, mid-career, and advanced

*CME credits are subject to change

Certificate of Completion

This course will offer the opportunity to earn a certificate of completion per Institute for Credentialing Excellence guidelines. Earning this certificate signifies your knowledge and competency associated with this course's learning objectives and educational components and will be a part of a larger ultrasound specialization.

Accreditation

Statement of Need

AANA/BA has determined the need for this live educational activity based on identifying professional practice gaps, previous course evaluations. The educational content of this activity was based upon current issues and topics provided by AANA/BA Planning Committees and Membership.

Continuing Medical Education/Credit Designation

The Arthroscopy Association of North America is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for clinicians. The Arthroscopy Association of North America designates this live activity for a maximum of 14.25* AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Clinicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

*CME credits are subject to change

Meet Your Instructors

AANA and Biologic Association faculty are nationally and internationally recognized leaders in arthroscopy, sports medicine, orthobiologics, regenerative medicine and minimally invasive orthopaedic care who are trusted and respected throughout the musculoskeletal healthcare community. Through immersive, hands-on and evidence-based learning experiences, our instructors empower surgeons and clinicians to advance their skills, evaluate emerging science, optimize patient outcomes and deliver exceptional patient care through innovative surgical and biologic treatment approaches.

Don A. Buford, M.D., FAANA

Dr. Don Buford founded Texas Orthobiologics as a clinic where patients can get an unbiased orthopaedic diagnosis and a complete discussion of their non-surgical and surgical treatment options including orthobiologics or orthopaedic surgery.

Brian J. Cole, M.D., M.B.A., FAANA

Dr. Brian Cole is a renowned Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in Cartilage Restoration and Biologics for the Shoulder, Knee and Elbow. Team physician for the Chicago Bulls and White Sox, co-host of Sports Medicine Weekly

Health and safety information | Attendees are expected to comply with all health and safety requirements in effect at the time of this AANA event. AANA reserves the right to adjust requirements and will notify attendees as applicable. Attendees are responsible for checking for updates issued by the state, city, venue, or AANA before traveling to the location.

Agenda

Agenda (PDF)

Saturday Session
7-8 a.m.	Registration, Breakfast and Vendor Networking
8-8:05 a.m.	Course Welcome and Introduction
8:05-8:25 a.m.	Basic Orthobiologic Basic Science
8:25-8:45 a.m.	Platelet Rich Plasma Use in Orthopaedics
8:45–9:05 a.m.	Bone Marrow Use in Orthopaedics
9:05-9:25 a.m.	Adipose (MFAT) Use in Orthopaedics
9:25-9:40 a.m.	PRP, Bone Marrow, and Adipose Q&A
9:40-9:50 a.m.	Morning Break
9:50-10:10 a.m.	Ultrasound Anatomy of the Shoulder
10:10-10:40 a.m.	Ultrasound Guided Procedures Around the Shoulder
10:40-10:50 a.m.	Morning Break
10:50-11:10 a.m.	Ultrasound Anatomy of the Elbow
11:10-11:40 a.m.	Ultrasound Guided Procedures Around the Elbow
11:40 a.m.-12 p.m.	Regulatory Updates
12-12:30 p.m.	Break
12:30-1 p.m.	Lunch and Vendor Networking
1-1:30 p.m.	Break
1:30-1:40 p.m.	Hands-on Lab Orientation
1:40-5:40 p.m.	Shoulder & Elbow Ultrasound and Procedural Labs

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