Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Therapy for Early-Onset Osteoarthritis
A Review of Emerging Therapeutic Strategies and Clinical Outcomes
Keywords:
Osteoarthritis, Early-onset osteoarthritis, Stem cells, Regenerative medicine, Mesenchymal stem cellsAbstract
Early-onset osteoarthritis (OA) is increasingly recognized in adolescents and young adults, particularly among individuals with prior joint injury or genetic susceptibility. Conventional management strategies such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and joint replacement primarily provide symptom relief but do not address progressive cartilage degeneration. As a result, there is growing interest in regenerative therapies that target the underlying causes of joint damage. Stem cell–based therapy has emerged as a promising approach because of its ability to promote cartilage repair and reduce inflammation. This review examines the epidemiology and pathophysiology of early-onset osteoarthritis and explores stem cell sources, delivery methods, and recent clinical trials investigating regenerative treatment strategies. Overall, stem cell therapy may represent an important disease-modifying approach for preserving joint health in younger populations.
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