Application of hydrogel technologies in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a diverse group of conditions affecting bones, cartilage, intervertebral discs, tendons, muscles, and related structures, and continue to be a leading cause of global disability. Despite advancements in surgery and pharmacotherapy, issues such as incomplete regeneration, limited longevity, and procedure-related complications remain unresolved. As a result, hydrogel technologies have garnered increasing attention due to their hydrated three-dimensional networks, customizable mechanical properties, and extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking features. Hydrogels have been developed in various forms, including injectable systems, scaffolds, and patches, to facilitate tissue regeneration, deliver bioactive molecules, modulate inflammation, and provide mechanical or interfacial support. This review comprehensively examines recent advancements in hydrogel technologies for MSD treatment, focusing on bone and cartilage repair, osteoarthritis management, intervertebral disc regeneration, tendon and muscle healing, and spinal dural repair. It covers laboratory studies, preclinical animal trials, and clinically approved or translational products. By critically evaluating representative materials, design strategies, and disease-specific requirements, this review highlights the therapeutic potential and translational barriers of current hydrogel systems. Challenges such as mechanical durability, spatiotemporal control of bioactivity, scalable manufacturing, and clinically relevant evaluation are addressed, providing insights into the development of next-generation hydrogels for MSDs.