THERAPIES IN OSTEOARTICULAR INJURIES: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Osteoarticular injuries represent an important cause of pain, functional limitation, and disability, affecting millions of people worldwide. In recent years, biological therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have gained increasing interest due to their regenerative potential and their ability to promote tissue repair beyond symptomatic control. The aim of this review was to analyze the available scientific evidence regarding the efficacy, safety, and clinical applicability of these therapies in the main osteoarticular diseases. A narrative literature review was conducted, including articles published between 2016 and 2026 in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases, using the descriptors "Osteoarthritis" and "Biological Therapy". The results demonstrate that PRP provides benefits mainly in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis and some tendinopathies, while stem cells show promising potential in the regeneration of cartilage, bone, and tendons. However, the methodological heterogeneity of studies, the lack of standardized protocols, and short follow-up periods limit definitive conclusions. It is concluded that both therapies represent promising alternatives in modern orthopedics, although high-quality multicenter studies are required to define their clinical indications and establish standardized protocols.