Photomedicine in Bone and Joint Diseases: Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

Photomedicine represents a novel therapeutic frontier in treating bone and joint disorders. Recent research has delved into how light-based therapies affect cellular and molecular processes, specifically targeting the pathological landscapes of bone and joint ailments such as osteoarthritis. Techniques like low-level laser therapy and photodynamic therapy have modulated immune responses, enhanced circulation, alleviated pain, and promoted tissue healing. As technology advances, photomedicine not only supports non-surgical treatments but also plays a pivotal role in postoperative care and as an adjunct to surgical procedures.This Research Topic aims to synthesize current findings and expand the clinical applications of photomedicine in the treatment of bone and joint diseases. It seeks to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that make photomedicine a promising approach for both standalone and integrated treatment strategies, enhancing patient outcomes and refining therapeutic practices.To further these objectives, the scope of this topic will primarily focus on the transformative potential of photomedicine within clinical and therapeutic settings. This Research Topic welcomes mechanistic and hypothesis-driven research with clear clinical or public health impact. Purely descriptive studies are discouraged, and clinical trials should provide significant advances in methodology or patient care to be considered. Articles are invited that contribute to a better understanding and application of photomedicine through innovative research and comprehensive reviews, specifically in the following areas:• Mechanistic studies on light-regulated pathways in joint diseases, focusing on photobiomodulation of bone/cartilage metabolism. • Light-sensitive targets in osteoarthritis/osteoporosis, especially those translating basic findings into therapeutic strategies.• Technological innovations in photomedicine, emphasizing pain relief, cartilage repair, and anti-inflammatory effects.• AI applications in decoding complex light-joint interactions, from multi-omics integration to predictive biomarker identification for precision interventions. Topic editors: Yan Wang, Quanbo Ji, Yuxuan Zheng Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/70458/photomedicine-in-bone-and-joint-diseases-mechanisms-and-clinical-applications