Emerging Therapies in Musculoskeletal Medicine: Biologics and Beyond in Orthopedics and Rheumatology

Musculoskeletal disorders cause a significant amount of disability globally and are comprised degenerative, inflammatory, autoimmune and traumatic disorders of the bones, joints, muscles and connective tissues. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone, physio, and surgery are traditional treatments that only alleviate symptoms. The management of orthopedic and rheumatologic diseases has greatly improved with recently developed therapeutic biological and the advent of regenerative medicine. Certain biologic therapies, such as tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, interleukin growth factors, and monoclonal antibodies, have proved to be effective in autoimmune inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Tissue repair and cartilage regenerative therapies are being explored, including platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, mesenchymal stem cells, and gene-based therapies. While results so far are promising, issues regarding cost, access, standardization, and safety are still to be addressed. In this short communication, the shift from traditional therapies to biological and regenerative therapies is noted, and their future promise in the field of musculoskeletal medicine is discussed.