Osteoarthritis (OA) is a big burden of disease worldwide and one of the most
common causes of disability in the adult population. Currently applied therapies consist of
physical therapy, oral medication, intra-articular injections, and surgical interventions, with
the main goal being to reduce pain and improve function and quality of life. Intra-articular
(IA) administration of drugs has potential benefits in OA treatment because it minimizes
systemic bioavailability and side effects associated with oral administration of drugs
without compromising the therapeutic effect in the joint. However, IA drug residence time
is short and there is a clinical need for a vehicle that is able to provide a sustained release
long enough for IA therapy to fulfill its promise. This review summarizes the use of
different polymeric systems and the incorporated drugs for IA drug delivery in the
osteoarthritic joint with a primary focus on clinical needs and opportunities.