Biomaterial for Articular Cartilage Maintenance and Treatment of Arthritis

Abstract

The present disclosure provides biomaterials and methods for preventing and minimizing progression of cartilage and/or connective tissue damage. Also provided herein are biomaterials and methods for alleviating and/or reducing the risk for developing arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis) associated with joint injury and/or joint surgery.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for treating arthritis, comprising administering to a joint of a subject that has or is at risk for developing arthritis at the joint an effective amount of a collagen material; wherein the subject is not concurrently surgically treated to repair a torn, fractured, strained, bruised, or ruptured intra-articular tissue.