Research lines of Osteoarthritis

Currently, there are many studies on the improvement of the treatment of osteoarthritis to try to slow down its course. Some even consider rejuvenation of the joint, and this is a frequent reason for consulting. For the time being, stem cell therapies or other products such as “platelet-rich plasma” are in the experimental phase, and there is no clear evidence on their suitable indications and their effects.

In the surgical field, there is work on developing procedures that could prolong the life of the joint without a replacement. There are many treatment options being assessed, such as a transplant of the meniscus, transplant of chondrocytes, or different osteotomies (bone cuts) to treat the sequelae of childhood joint disorders, or the changes after injuries.

The recovery after the implantation of a knee or hip replacement is another of the fields that are currently in progress. In the past, a patient needed from 5 to 7 days to recover. Nowadays, with 1 or 2 days of hospitalisation, they are able to return home, and some patients can even go home the same day of the operation. 

Current fields of research are working on improving patient preparation circuits and the techniques used in treatment, in order to allow a recovery in the shortest possible time and in the best possible conditions.