Pathophysiology of soft tissue repair.

Inflammation with subsequent migration of leucocytes and connective tissue cells to the site of damage, together with the release of cytokines by these cells are essential for healing in common sports injuries. Injury to the musculotendinous unit resulting from either blunt trauma, tears or laceration, heal primarily by formation of granulation tissue and scarring. Early diagnosis with appropriate therapy may minimize any potential loss of function. Ligament repair also follows a classical healing response, although the quality of healing is site dependent and may be related to exposure to synovial fluid. In contrast, cartilage, which is avascular, lacks the inflammatory response seen in other connective tissues and this frequently results in poor tissue repair with subsequent degeneration of the injured cartilage. Mechanisms of repair in these tissues are described.