Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint disease, characterized by whole-joint degenerative disease with cartilage degeneration as the primary pathogenesis. It is also a major cause of disability and increased social costs, particularly among the elderly. With the aging population and increasing obesity rates, the incidence of OA increases annually. The main symptoms include joint pain and loss of joint function, which severely impact the quality of life and daily activities of patients. Despite numerous treatments attempted over the past few decades, the long-term treatments have been disappointing. The main challenge lies in the very low bioavailability of drugs within the joint cavity, Therefore, the development of a therapeutic approach with cartilage targeting and efficient bioavailability is the key point to address OA. This paper summarizes the latest research on the use of PLGA in drug delivery for the treatment of OA, which provides an important foundation and a more comprehensive perspective for the subsequent drug treatment of joint diseases. We hope this will lead to more accurate and effective treatment plans for arthritis patients and promote the continuous advancement of the medical field.