Effectiveness of hydrogel-based therapies in the treatment of talus osteoarthritis: a systematic review

Talus osteoarthritis (OA) is a disabling condition that negatively affects the lives of individuals in terms of pain, functional limitation. Hydrogels, due to their viscoelastic, bioactive, and biocompatible properties, have emerged as a promising therapeutic option in cartilage repair and OA management. Currently hydrogel applications in other joint OA such as knee are extensively studied, while their use in talocrural joint degeneration remains underexplored. This systematic review aims to analyze the uncertainty in the effectiveness and safety of hydrogel-based therapies in the treatment of talus OA.

Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from 2015 up to 2025. Eligible studies included case series, cohort and randomized clinical trials investigating hydrogel implementation for talus OA. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were independently performed by two reviewers. Thematic synthesis was applied due to heterogeneity in study designs.

Preliminary screening identified 5 relevant studies. Hydrogel types included hyaluronic acid derivatives. Outcomes assessed included pain scores, joint function and imaging-based structural changes.

Hydrogel-based therapies represent a promising joint-preserving option for talus osteoarthritis, offering potential cartilage support and symptom relief. However, current evidence remains limited. Larger, well-designed clinical trials with standardized outcome measures are essential to validate efficacy and refine formulations tailored to the unique biomechanics of the ankle joint.