From osteoarthritis treatments to future regenerative therapies for cartilage

Osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with cartilage degeneration and an accompanying inflammatory syndrome of the synovium in addition to alteration of the subchondral bone. The molecular and cellular events involved in OA have only partially been elucidated. This review provides a global view of the physiopathology of OA, as well as non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments for the disorder. An update on surgical treatments and their indications is given with an orientation towards the management of OA and cartilage repair by cell-based regenerative therapies. These promising biological technologies will, potentially, play a major role in the treatment of cartilage-associated diseases.