Clinical Research on Foot & Ankle
Open Access

Advancements and Challenges in Lower Limb Musculoskeletal Research: A Comprehensive Review

Dr. Ayesha Patel^*

Department of Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Sunrise Medical Institute, India

Received Date: Mar 03, 2025 / Accepted Date: Mar 30, 2025 / Published Date: Mar 30, 2025

Citation: Ayesha P (2025) Advancements and Challenges in Lower LimbMusculoskeletal Research: A Comprehensive Review. Clin Res Foot Ankle, 13:631.

Copyright: © 2025 Ayesha P. This is an open-access article distributed under theterms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricteduse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author andsource are credited.

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Lower limb musculoskeletal research plays a pivotal role in understanding the biomechanics, pathology, injury prevention, and rehabilitation associated with the hip, knee, ankle, and foot joints. This article reviews recent advances in lower limb musculoskeletal science, including innovations in diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, computational modeling, and assistive technologies. It also highlights gaps in the literature and the challenges faced in translating research findings into clinical practice. With an aging population and increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related musculoskeletal disorders, this field remains critical to improving mobility, independence, and quality of life across various age groups. The lower limb musculoskeletal (MSK) system is integral to mobility, postural stability, and functional independence. Research in this field has evolved significantly over the past few decades, driven by technological innovations, deeper insights into biomechanical processes, and an increasing demand for effective clinical interventions. This comprehensive review synthesizes key advancements in lower limb MSK research, encompassing biomechanics, tissue engineering, diagnostic imaging, computational modeling, rehabilitation technologies, and clinical management strategies. Major breakthroughs include the development of sophisticated motion capture systems, finite element modeling for joint mechanics, and wearable technologies that enable real-time monitoring of gait and joint kinematics. Concurrently, regenerative medicine, particularly in cartilage and tendon repair, has opened new avenues for treatment. The application of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnostics and rehabilitation personalization also represents a transformative frontier. Despite these advancements, several challenges persist. There remains a critical need for standardized protocols in data acquisition and interpretation, especially in multi-center research. The translational gap between laboratory findings and clinical application continues to limit the effectiveness of emerging therapies. Furthermore, variability in patient anatomy, comorbidities, and responses to treatment complicates the generalizability of results. Issues such as limited access to advanced care in low-resource settings and ethical concerns related to AI-based diagnostics also warrant attention. This review not only highlights technological and scientific progress but also critically examines the systemic, methodological, and clinical challenges that hinder optimal outcomes. By outlining current trends and proposing directions for future research, this paper aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and guide innovations that enhance diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation outcomes for lower limb musculoskeletal conditions.