Bone and joint diseases pose a significant global health challenge, adversely impacting millions of individuals and exerting substantial socioeconomic pressure on healthcare systems worldwide. Recent advances in molecular biology and systems medicine have begun to unravel the complex pathophysiological underpinnings of these conditions. Increasing evidence highlights that chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, extracellular matrix degradation, bone remodeling imbalance, cellular senescence and apoptosis, genetic mutations, and aberrant activation of signaling pathways—including NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β/Smad, and MAPK—play pivotal roles in the onset and progression of Bone and joint diseases. These insights not only offer novel targets for early diagnosis but also lay the foundation for precision prevention and intervention.

The translational application of these mechanistic discoveries is rapidly advancing, propelled by artificial intelligence (AI) and precision medicine. By integrating genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, imaging data, and clinical metrics, AI facilitates the creation of personalized diagnostic and prognostic models. Meanwhile, emerging molecular diagnostic tools, like liquid biopsies and epigenetic markers, are reaching new levels of sophistication and clinical relevance. Additionally, innovations such as minimally invasive technology and remote monitoring are reshaping intervention strategies. Such approaches support the early detection of high-risk individuals, enable timely and precise interventions, and guide mechanism-based treatment decisions, ushering in a new era of data-driven, mechanism-informed Bone and joint care.

This Research Topic aims to highlight innovative strategies bridging molecular mechanisms and clinical applications in diagnosing and preventing bone and joint diseases. We particularly encourage submissions that showcase molecular diagnostic, AI-driven models based on molecular and imaging data, successful clinical translations of mechanistic insights, and novel strategies for early detection, risk management, and individualized intervention.

To gather further insights in the realms of personalized, data-driven, bone and joint care solutions, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
o Key molecular mechanisms (e.g., inflammation, immunity, signaling, apoptosis) driving bone and joint diseases and their translational potential
o Discovery and validation of novel molecular diagnostics and biomarkers
o Innovations in early screening, dynamic disease monitoring, and minimally invasive diagnostic techniques
o Translational research based on genomics, proteomics, and other systems biology approaches
o AI-driven precision medicine: integrative diagnostic and predictive modeling using multi-omics and imaging data
o Advanced imaging technologies, including fusion imaging, molecular imaging, and quantitative imaging biomarkers
o Applications of AI and machine learning in disease screening, risk prediction, and prevention
o Digital health tools and telemedicine applications for bone and joint diseases
o Population-based screening programs and public health strategies for disease prevention
o Innovations in rehabilitation, nursing, reconstructive surgery, and regenerative medicine in the field of bone and joint diseases

We invite submissions of original research, reviews, and perspectives on the listed themes and beyond.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Precision Diagnostics and Prevention in Bone and Joint Diseases: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Translation