A shot of renewal: the potential of stem cells in transforming the arthritis landscape

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder, with increasing socioeconomic impacts due to the ageing population and rising obesity rates. As global life expectancy remains high, with concurrent rises in obesity trends, the number of patients who will be affected by OA is likely to significantly increase in the coming years. The current management of OA follows standardised guidelines developed by multiple academic and professional societies. Intra-articular joint injections have proven to be quite effective for managing OA; they tend to be more effective than simple analgesia and there are numerous substances that can be delivered directly into the joint, which serve as the basis for this review. In particular, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated great promise in regenerative medicine because of their exceptional capacity to develop into a wide variety of cell types. Preliminary research supports the safety and effectiveness of autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation – patients report significant pain alleviation, improved mobility, and cartilage regeneration. However, widespread therapeutic use presents logistical and financial challenges, which are explored in this review. Understanding these implications may lead to a revolutionary change in the treatment of OA.