Stem cells in orthopaedics and sports injuries: A comprehensive review and future research directions

Background and aims: With possible treatments for a variety of musculoskeletal disorders, stem cell therapy has become a highly promising field in orthopaedics. By utilizing the body's natural ability to heal, stem cell treatment provides a regenerative method for repairing and regenerating damaged tissues. The function of stem cells in orthopaedics and sports injuries is thoroughly reviewed in this review paper, which also discusses future possibilities for clinical research and practice as well as possible applications and mechanisms of action. Methods: The literature was searched using the keywords “Stem Cells” AND “Orthopedics” OR “Orthopaedics” OR “Sports Medicine” in the databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. This review included the pertinent literature was included in this review. Results: We have summarised the up-to-date knowledge about various aspects of stem cells in Orthopaedics and Sports injuries viz. stem cell types, mechanism of action, clinical applications, recent advances, research, ethical aspects and future directions. We have identified the potential research areas and research gaps in stem cell science related to musculoskeletal problems. Conclusion: Stem cell therapy represents a paradigm shift in orthopaedic medicine, offering regenerative solutions for a range of musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries. From regenerating damaged tissues to enhancing athletic performance and recovery, stem cell therapy offers novel solutions to age-old challenges. The integration of stem cell technologies into orthopaedic practice holds promise for improving patient outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and addressing unmet clinical needs in the management of musculoskeletal disorders.