INTRA-ARTICULAR APPLICATION OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF INJECTIONS IN OSTEOARTHRITIS - LITERATURE REVIEW

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex, multifactorial disease characterized by an imbalance in chondrocyte metabolism, which ultimately leads to the progressive breakdown of articular cartilage. This process results in chronic pain, joint stiffness, and a decline in overall joint function, severely affecting the patient’s quality of life. OA is one of the most common causes of disability worldwide and frequently affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine. While there is currently no effective cure for OA, treatment strategies are primarily focused on managing pain, alleviating inflammation, and improving joint mobility. The risk factors for developing OA are diverse and include obesity, advancing age, genetic predisposition, and lifestyle factors, such as physical activity levels and previous joint injuries. Diagnosis of OA is typically made through a combination of clinical assessment and imaging studies, with radiographic features such as joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, and subchondral sclerosis serving as key indicators. Although a variety of treatments, from non-pharmacological interventions to pharmacological therapies and surgical procedures, are utilized, a definitive, long-term cure for OA remains out of reach. As a result, current research is increasingly focused on potential therapies, such as mesenchymal stem cells, hyaluronic acid, corticosteroids, and platelet-rich plasma, which aim to promote cartilage regeneration and repair without significant side effects. This review examines these treatments, evaluating their mechanisms of action, efficacy, safety, and limitations, and highlights current clinical guidelines, as well as the risks associated with their long-term use.