Gut microbiome and orthopaedic health: Bridging the divide between digestion and bone integrity

Abstract

The gut microbiome, a complex ecosystem of microorganisms in the digestive tract, has emerged as a critical factor in human health, influencing metabolic, immune, and neurological functions. This review explores the connection between the gut microbiome and orthopedic health, examining how gut microbes impact bone density, joint integrity, and skeletal health. It highlights mechanisms linking gut dysbiosis to inflammation in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, suggesting microbiome modulation as a potential therapeutic strategy. Key findings include the microbiome’s role in bone metabolism through hormone regulation and production of short-chain fatty acids, crucial for mineral absorption. The review also considers the effects of diet, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation on gut microbiome composition and their implications for orthopedic health. While promising, challenges in translating microbiome research into clinical practice persist, necessitating further exploration and ethical consideration of microbiome-based therapies. This interdisciplinary research aims to link digestive health with musculoskeletal integrity, offering new insights into the prevention and management of bone and joint diseases.

Keywords: Gut microbiome; Orthopaedic health; Bone density; Dysbiosis; Inflammation; Microbiome modulation

Core Tip: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in orthopaedic health by influencing bone density, joint integrity, and inflammation. Modulating the microbiome through diet, probiotics, and other interventions offers promising therapeutic strategies for preventing and managing musculoskeletal disorders. Understanding the gut-bone axis could revolutionize orthopaedic care, leading to more personalized and effective treatments for bone and joint diseases.