Osteoarthritis: New Insights into Mechanisms, Diagnosis, Therapy and Management

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 March 2026 | Viewed by 779

Special Issue Editors


E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life Sciences, Health, and Healthcare Professions, Link Campus University, 00165 Rome, Italy
Interests: trauma surgery; foot and ankle surgery; fracture; arthroplasty; knee surgery; osteoporosis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial, progressive joint disease representing one of the most prevalent causes of disability worldwide. Traditionally considered a degenerative condition affecting articular cartilage, OA is now increasingly recognized as a complex disorder involving multiple joint tissues, inflammatory pathways, and systemic factors. Recent advances have reshaped our understanding of OA pathogenesis, unveiling the roles of subchondral bone remodeling, synovial inflammation, and metabolic dysregulation.

At the same time, diagnostic approaches are evolving. Beyond conventional radiography, novel imaging modalities and biomarker analysis are allowing for earlier detection and more accurate monitoring of disease progression. Technological innovations are transforming OA research and clinical practice: 3D printing is being explored for personalized joint implants and cartilage scaffolds, artificial intelligence (AI) is enhancing diagnostic precision through image analysis and predictive modeling, and augmented reality (AR) is finding emerging roles in surgical planning and education.

Therapeutically, the landscape is shifting from purely symptomatic treatments to interventions aimed at modifying disease progression. This includes targeted pharmacological agents, regenerative medicine approaches, and biomechanical strategies tailored to the individual patient.

This Special Issue aims to explore these new insights into the mechanisms, diagnosis, therapy, and management of osteoarthritis. We invite researchers and clinicians to submit original research articles and comprehensive reviews that contribute to advancing the field—especially those highlighting the impact of emerging technologies on OA care and innovation.

Dr. Tommaso Greco
Dr. Carlo Perisano
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Life is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • osteoarthritis
  • joint degeneration
  • artificial intelligence
  • 3D printing
  • augmented reality
  • arthroplasty
  • joint replacement
  • disease-modifying therapies

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (2 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

11 pages, 691 KB  
Article
The Effects of Comorbidities on Outcomes After Total Hip Replacement
by Hou Hoi Iong, Chih-Hung Chang, Jwo-Luen Pao, Wen-Chih Chen, Shang-Ming Lin and Cheng-Tzu Wang
Life 2026, 16(2), 194; https://doi.org/10.3390/life16020194 - 23 Jan 2026
Abstract
Background: The relationship between comorbidity burden, as measured by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and functional recovery after total hip replacement (THR) remains uncertain. This study aimed to clarify whether ASA grade independently predicts postoperative patient-reported outcomes. Methods: We conducted a [...] Read more.
Background: The relationship between comorbidity burden, as measured by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and functional recovery after total hip replacement (THR) remains uncertain. This study aimed to clarify whether ASA grade independently predicts postoperative patient-reported outcomes. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 218 consecutive patients from a prospectively maintained institutional registry who underwent primary unilateral THR between March 2021 and March 2024 in a single center. Patients were stratified into ASA 1–2 and ASA 3 groups. The Oxford Hip Score (OHS, 0–48) was collected preoperatively and at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Between-group differences were assessed, and multivariable linear regression was used to identify predictors of 6-month OHS. Results: Compared with ASA 1–2 patients, ASA 3 patients had lower preoperative OHS and longer hospital stay, but both groups showed substantial improvement over time and achieved excellent mean OHS at 6 months. In the adjusted model, higher ASA grade remained an independent negative predictor of 6-month OHS, whereas higher preoperative OHS and BMI were positive predictors. Conclusions: Despite presenting with worse baseline function and requiring longer hospitalization, ASA 3 patients experienced clinically meaningful recovery and achieved favorable 6-month outcomes after THR. Higher ASA status should therefore inform perioperative optimization rather than preclude surgery. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2955 KB  
Article
Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgery Using the Free Anterolateral Thigh Flap: Perspectives and Experience from a Single Trauma Center
by Mariagrazia Cerrone, Virginia Cinelli, Chiara Comisi, Antonio Mascio, Federico Moretti, Camillo Fulchignoni, Elisabetta Pataia, Tommaso Greco, Giulio Maccauro and Carlo Perisano
Life 2025, 15(12), 1857; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15121857 - 3 Dec 2025
Viewed by 471
Abstract
Background: Recent advances in microsurgical techniques have established free flaps as a cornerstone in complex orthopedic reconstructions, particularly in trauma, infection, and tumor resection cases requiring reliable soft tissue coverage for healing and functional recovery. Among them, the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap [...] Read more.
Background: Recent advances in microsurgical techniques have established free flaps as a cornerstone in complex orthopedic reconstructions, particularly in trauma, infection, and tumor resection cases requiring reliable soft tissue coverage for healing and functional recovery. Among them, the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is highly recognized for its versatility and consistency; Methods: We conducted a retrospective case series of five patients who underwent orthopedic reconstructive surgery using a free ALT flap in our department. Demographic, surgical, and clinical data were collected, and outcomes were evaluated and compared with the current literature. Results: The ALT flap proved to be a reliable option across a wide range of orthopedic conditions, providing well-vascularized and adaptable tissue for complex reconstructions. Clinical outcomes in our series were consistent with the favorable results reported in the literature. Conclusions: The ALT flap served as one of the most effective and versatile solutions for orthopedic reconstruction. Its adaptability to diverse clinical scenarios, combined with reproducible positive outcomes, supports its role as a preferred option for managing challenging soft tissue in orthopedics, ultimately contributing to improved function and recovery. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop