Editorial

Injured articular cartilage has a limited capacity for self-repair. This feature is greatly exacerbated with aging due to the progressive decrease in physiological capacity and reduced ability to respond to environment stress [1,2]. Injuries usually result in the development of degenerative changes, ultimately leading to osteoarthritis (OA) that affects the articular joints of 15% of the US population [3]. There is an increasing need for the development of biologically based approaches for cartilage repair. The ultimate aim is to repair the damaged cartilage tissue with new functional tissue using living cells (alone or in combination with suitable scaffolds) that will integrate with the patient's remaining tissue and yield a regenerated functional joint, which could continue to repair itself and maintain tissue homeostasis, and remain functional throughout the life of the patient. Most of the present treatment modalities are directed towards the alleviation of symptoms rather than cure. There are promises in the application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) therapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis and cartilage repair. The goal of the special edition is to review some of the recent advances the use of stem cells in cartilage repair and regeneration. Osteoarthritis: The Need for Innovative Therapeutic Interventions (Ann K. Rosenthal) Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in adults and is projected to increase in prevalence as the population ages. This review summarizes the currently available management strategies for osteoarthritis, the rationale behind their use and the current data supporting their efficacy. It underscores the need for new and effective therapies for this common and disabling condition.