Bibliometric analysis of extracellular vesicles in osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease with complex risk factors and an unclear pathogenesis. The onset is insidious, with mild early symptoms, and the disease progression is irreversible. Current treatment options cannot completely cure the disease. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic approaches and early prevention strategies is crucial for alleviating the disease burden and enhancing the quality of life for patients with OA. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) naturally possess biocompatibility and low immunogenicity, showing significant potential in drug delivery and cell-free therapy. To comprehensively understand the research status and application prospects of EVs in OA, this review employs bibliometric methods to explore the development and collaboration patterns within this research field, current significant research statuses, and emerging directions. Additionally, it thoroughly reviews the mechanisms of EVs in OA, and the integration of EVs with engineering technologies and biomaterials to enhance their efficacy in OA treatment. The goal is to provide scientific evidence and references for the development of OA therapies and the clinical application of EVs.