Cartilage, essential for joint function, has limited ability to repair itself because it lacks blood supply. This deficiency hinders its recovery after injuries caused by trauma, overuse, or the natural processes of aging, making the development of osteoarthritis a significant risk. Existing treatments have traditionally ranged from preventive measures and physiotherapy to more invasive surgical procedures. However, the evolution of medical technology has introduced advanced non-surgical options, such as PRP injections, stem cell therapy, and innovative biomaterials.

This Research Topic is crucial for advancing the understanding and development of treatments for cartilage injury, focusing on therapeutic strategies that both prevent the deterioration of cartilage and enhance its natural healing processes. The aim is to critically examine the effectiveness of existing modalities and inspire treatments continued innovation in this field, thereby significantly improving the outcomes for patients suffering from knee, ankle and hip cartilage injuries. By gathering new insights and evidential support, this topic encourages the exploration of transformative solutions that could mitigate the challenges faced by those affected by these common yet complex injuries.

To delineate the scope of this inquiry, contributions are invited on several related themes, as guided by recent advancements in research and application:

o Assessing the efficacy and patient outcomes associated with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and stem cell therapies in the context of cartilage repair.

o Highlighting the role of physical therapy and rehabilitation programs in aiding recovery from cartilage injuries without surgical procedures.

o Evaluating the impact of emergent biomaterials and cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing on non-surgical treatments, exploring how these innovations can be tailored to enhance cartilage regeneration.

o Investigating the development and effectiveness of tailored treatment plans that consider the severity and specific type of cartilage injury experienced by an individual patient.

o Surgical treatments including microfracture, osteochondral autograft, osteochondral allograft, autologous chondrocyte implantation(ACI), Matrix autologous cartilage implantation(MACI).

Through the examination of these topics, this collection seeks to enrich the academic and clinical understanding of cartilage treatment options. The goal is to compile a comprehensive body of evidence that supports methodological improvements and encourages the adoption of novel therapies that offer hope for effective and less invasive cartilage recovery solutions.

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Comprehensive Approaches to Cartilage Repair: Evaluating Surgical and Non-Surgical Therapies