| Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage and alterations in bone structure, imposing significant burdens on patients and the socio-economic landscape. Currently, the treatment of osteoarthritis is hampered by numerous limitations, particularly the lack of effective early diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Stem cells have been demonstrated to promote cartilage repair and to treat OA. However, issues such as immunogenicity and oncogenic potential restrict their widespread application. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as a cell-free therapeutic strategy, have garnered considerable attention due to their low immunogenicity and ability to mediate intercellular communication, suggesting their potential in the treatment of OA. This article reviews the research progress in EVs from various sources in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of OA, highlighting their emerging role and therapeutic promise. |