AUTHOR=Yang Lianbo , Li Yijie , Wang Tianqi , Zhao Zhuo , Li Wang , Lv Jinghang , Chen Haoran , Qi Zhaodong , Wang Xinming , Bao Wenchi , Liang Haidong 

TITLE=Applications of bone regenerative medicine in the foot and ankle: mechanisms, technologies, and therapeutic advances

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1653964

DOI=10.3389/fbioe.2025.1653964

ISSN=2296-4185

ABSTRACT=BackgroundFoot and ankle diseases significantly impact quality of life, with regenerative medicine emerging as a promising approach. A comprehensive evaluation of both efficacy and safety is paramount for its clinical translation.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed using keywords “regenerative medicine” and “foot and ankle” (as of 31 December 2024). Studies were categorized by technology and disease.ResultsPRP and HA showed short-term efficacy in talar cartilage repair; stem cells enhanced functional recovery in ankle osteoarthritis. 3D printing enabled personalized implants. Exosomes and AI were identified as future directions. However, the reporting of safety data was often sporadic and non-standardized, highlighting the need for more systematic monitoring in future studies.ConclusionRegenerative therapies demonstrate potential but require further validation through robust trials that prioritize standardized safety reporting alongside efficacy outcomes. Gaps in exosome isolation, long-term safety, and clinical translation need addressing.