Chemical and physical influences in bone and cartilage regeneration: a review of literature.

Nowadays several studies demonstrate the influence of chemical and physical stimulation to bone and cartilage exist. The first studies date back to the 50s and for a long time, they did not have a strong impact on clinical practice. In recent times, however, the findings arising from these studies are increasingly used to address clinical problems such as osteoarthritis or non-unions. The aim of this article is to make a review of the literature of the state of the art about physical and chemical influences on bone and cartilage.