Pharmaceutical Based Approaches to the Management of Osteoarthritis, Arthrofibrosis and Related Joint Disorders

Osteoarthritis and arthrofibrosis are joint disorders significantly affecting mobility and quality of patients. While osteoarthritis is highly prevalent and characterized by progressive cartilage degeneration and chronic inflammation, arthrofibrosis is a complex fibro-proliferative condition that can arise spontaneously or following joint injury and surgery (very often in young patients population). Despite their clinical relevance, effective pharmacological treatments remain limited. For osteoarthritis, current therapies mainly target symptoms rather than modifying disease progression. For arthrofibrosis, no approved pharmacological interventions exist, and treatment relies largely on surgical procedures, which carry additional risks and may not prevent recurrence. Moreover, complications following joint surgeries often involve prolonged inflammation, fibrosis, and consequently impaired biomechanics, leading to further joint damage. Advances in molecular understanding, drug development, and targeted delivery systems offer promising avenues to address these challenges.

The goal of this research topic is to bring together innovative studies that deepen our understanding of osteoarthritis, arthrofibrosis, and other joint diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), focusing on detecting relevant biomarkers and developing new pharmacological strategies and therapeutic innovations. By highlighting research that clarifies the molecular pathways related to inflammation, fibrosis, and tissue remodelling, this collection aims to accelerate the identification of new therapeutic targets. Furthermore, we seek to emphasise translational strategies, including the development of advanced drug delivery systems, such as intra-articular formulations and targeted nanosystems, that can improve treatment efficacy. Research work related to the implant-based technologies (biological medical devices) for cartilage regeneration is also welcome. Ultimately, this research topic aims to build a clearer framework for future therapeutic innovations and support the transition from mechanistic insights to clinical application.

This research topic welcomes contributions addressing (but not limited to) pharmacological innovations for osteoarthritis, arthrofibrosis, and joint surgery-related complications. Relevant themes include disease-modifying drugs for osteoarthritis, molecular and cellular drivers of joint inflammation and fibrosis, therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating arthrofibrosis, tissue regenerative approaches, as well as exploration of novel drug delivery systems, including intra-articular, targeted, or prolonged-release systems designed to enhance treatment outcomes. Submissions may include original research articles, brief reports, comprehensive reviews, mini-reviews, or perspectives offering forward-looking insights. This collection aims to provide a platform for multidisciplinary contributions encompassing pharmacology, biomaterials, orthopaedics, and rheumatology.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: osteoarthritis, arthrofibrosis, joint disorders, joint degeneration, joint fibrosis, cartilage degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.