Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions.

Narrative review of therapeutic peptides in orthopaedics

“This review integrates current mechanistic insights with orthopaedic relevance, emphasizing safety, efficacy, and future directions for responsible integration into musculoskeletal care.”

Patients with orthopaedic injuries, including tendon, cartilage, and muscle conditions

“Although peptides have been used systemically for decades, their application in orthopaedics—particularly for tendon healing, cartilage repair, and muscle recovery—has only recently gained attention.”

Preclinical studies show promising results, but there is a lack of clinical trials

“Although preclinical studies are promising, there is a current lack of clinical trials.”

The current orthopaedic literature is dominated by animal models, small cohorts, and case series with limited RCTs

“The current orthopaedic literature on peptides is dominated by animal models, small prospective cohorts, and case series, with very limited RCTs.”

Most peptides reviewed are not FDA-approved for orthopaedic indications

“At present, most the peptides in this review are not FDA-approved for orthopaedic indications.”