Ligament and tendon repair with an absorbable polymer-coated carbon fiber stent.

Ribbon-like composite structures of filamentous carbon fiber and absorbable polymers have been used in the repair and replacement of both tendons and ligaments. The composite acts as a scaffold upon which new collagenous tissue can grow and has proved successful in a variety of animal models. The results of the first three years of human clinical trials have revealed ingrowth potential similar to that seen in the animal studies. Most patients have shown significant improvement, with many demonstrating good to excellent stability and function.