Innovative advances in the treatment of osteoarthritis: Improving the quality of life of patients.

Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide, has been the subject of significant research and advances in recent years. These advances have brought new hope to those suffering from this condition, improving patients’ quality of life. 

In this article we discuss some of the latest advances in osteoarthritis treatment and how these innovations are making a difference.

1. New advances in medical treatments:

New advances in medical treatments: The agenda of the pharmaceutical industry to combat osteoarthritis is focused on achieving drugs that are more effective and less toxic. Although there are very promising drugs, the balance between efficacy and toxicity is not yet well achieved. At the same time, multiple treatments based on regenerative medicine, known generically as orthobiological treatments, have burst onto the scene in recent years. These are generally safe treatments that offer good symptom control (pain and inflammation) for osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. It is not yet possible to say that these treatments regenerate the damaged cartilage or stop the disease, but with slight improvements, over a short period of time, this may be possible…

2. New advances in osteoarthritis surgery:

New advances in osteoarthritis surgery: Surgery in osteoarthritis is the only option to consider when medical and rehabilitative treatment fails. In recent years, the development of new minimally invasive surgical techniques has radically changed the outlook for recovery and convalescence. This is possible, for example, in many cases of osteoarthritis of the spine, which can nowadays be operated on by arthroscopy. Arthroscopy is a much less invasive, more selective technique with much shorter and less painful recovery times.

Robotics is becoming more and more important in joint replacement and prosthetic procedures. Today, in most hospitals, robotic-assisted knee replacements are being fitted with robots that calculate the bone cut with millimetric precision, saving bleeding, pain and reducing convalescence. Although there has not yet been time for the generation of studies, robot assistance, due to its greater precision, will probably result in greater durability of the prosthesis.

3. Precision medicine in osteoarthritis:

Precision medicine is here to stay, and osteoarthritis is no exception. With genetic analysis and the identification of specific biomarkers, it is already possible to calculate the risk of suffering from osteoarthritis. In a very short time, it will also be possible to personalize the most appropriate treatment to control the disease, increasing efficacy and reducing toxicity.

4. Adapted Exercise and Rehabilitation:

The role of exercise in the treatment of osteoarthritis has evolved. While rest was traditionally advised, it is now better understood that adequate physical activity can be beneficial. Exercise programs tailored to the individual needs of patients can improve muscle strength, flexibility and reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis. Physiotherapy has also seen advances, with more specific approaches and rehabilitation techniques tailored to each case.

5. External Support Technologies and Innovative Devices:

The development of innovative support technologies and devices has revolutionized the way patients manage osteoarthritis in their daily lives. From customized orthoses to assistive walking devices, these technologies are designed to relieve pressure on affected joints and improve mobility. In addition, mobile apps and tracking devices allow patients to perform personalized exercises comfortably at home, supervised and monitored by their physician or physiotherapist. A good example of this are the Quantic Nanotech electronic gloves, designed to relieve symptoms comfortably from the comfort of your armchair at home, but supervised and monitored by your doctor.