Why Knee Osteoarthritis Remains Incurable Despite Therapeutic Advancements

Knee osteoarthritis, a common condition causing chronic pain and reduced mobility, remains incurable due to the unique avascular biology of knee cartilage and limited self-repair capacity. Despite advancements in stem cell and gene therapies, current treatments primarily offer symptom relief rather than full cartilage restoration. The disease’s progressive nature, complex causes, and patient variability further complicate effective treatment development. Regulatory and clinical hurdles delay the transition of promising therapies to clinical use. Ongoing research focuses on innovative, personalized approaches to stimulate cartilage repair and overcome these challenges, offering hope for future breakthroughs that could transform management and quality of life for millions affected worldwide.