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Nanomaterials can be engineered with a tunable size and charge, high surface area, and versatile surface chemistry, which enables theranostic applications. In bone and joint care, although surgical practice still relies on the use of cements, plates, screws, and scaffolds, the use of nanomaterials for skeletal disorders is developing. Evidence suggests that bioactive nanomaterials can improve the visualization and assessment of bone and joint regeneration across optical, magnetic, radiographic, and nuclear imaging modalities. The present review organizes these modalities by their underlying biophysical mechanisms rather than by material class, as has been performed in previous relevant research. For each modality, we outlined contrast mechanisms, penetration depth, sensitivity, safety considerations, and design principles linking imaging performance to nanomaterial composition, size, charge, and surface chemistry. We further discussed how nanomaterials interact with the biological environment and focused on stimulus-responsive designs sensitive to pH and redox state that integrate diagnosis with therapy. Rather than focusing on single modalities or material types, this article provides a comprehensive perspective on multimodal nanomaterials for detecting and guiding bone and joint regeneration, with this perspective framed in terms of the distinct biophysical mechanisms of each imaging technique. Finally, we highlight key translational challenges, such as biosafety, manufacturing, and clinically relevant design considerations. This review may guide the development of next-generation nanomaterial-based imaging probes
Lu et al. (Mon,) studied this question.