Connor C Leek1, Jaclyn M Soulas1,2, Anna Lia Sullivan1,2, Megan L Killian1,3. 1. College of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 5 Innovation Way, Suite 200, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716. 2. College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Animal Biosciences, 531 South College Avenue, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716. 3. College of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to describe the mechanobiological mechanisms of tendon repair as well as outline current and emerging tools in mechanobiology that might be useful for improving tendon healing and regeneration. Over 30 million musculoskeletal injuries are reported in the US per year and nearly 50% involve soft tissue injuries to tendons and ligaments. Yet current therapeutic strategies for treating tendon injuries are not always successful in regenerating and returning function of the healing tendon. RECENT FINDINGS: The use of rehabilitative strategies to control the motion and transmission of mechanical loads to repairing tendons following surgical reattachment is beneficial for some, but not all, tendon repairs. Scaffolds that are designed to recapitulate properties of developing tissues show potential to guide the mechanical and biological healing of tendon following rupture. The incorporation of biomaterials to control alignment and reintegration, as well as promote scar-less healing, are also promising. Improving our understanding of damage thresholds for resident cells and how these cells respond to bioelectrical cues may offer promising steps forward in the field of tendon regeneration. SUMMARY: The field of orthopaedics continues to advance and improve with the development of regenerative approaches for musculoskeletal injuries, especially for tendon, and deeper exploration in this area will lead to improved clinical outcomes.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to describe the mechanobiological mechanisms of tendon repair as well as outline current and emerging tools in mechanobiology that might be useful for improving tendon healing and regeneration. Over 30 million musculoskeletal injuries are reported in the US per year and nearly 50% involve soft tissue injuries to tendons and ligaments. Yet current therapeutic strategies for treating tendon injuries are not always successful in regenerating and returning function of the healing tendon. RECENT FINDINGS: The use of rehabilitative strategies to control the motion and transmission of mechanical loads to repairing tendons following surgical reattachment is beneficial for some, but not all, tendon repairs. Scaffolds that are designed to recapitulate properties of developing tissues show potential to guide the mechanical and biological healing of tendon following rupture. The incorporation of biomaterials to control alignment and reintegration, as well as promote scar-less healing, are also promising. Improving our understanding of damage thresholds for resident cells and how these cells respond to bioelectrical cues may offer promising steps forward in the field of tendon regeneration. SUMMARY: The field of orthopaedics continues to advance and improve with the development of regenerative approaches for musculoskeletal injuries, especially for tendon, and deeper exploration in this area will lead to improved clinical outcomes.
Authors: Nicholas S Kalson; Tobias Starborg; Yinhui Lu; Aleksandr Mironov; Sally M Humphries; David F Holmes; Karl E Kadler Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A Date: 2013-11-18 Impact factor: 11.205
Authors: J Pingel; J Wienecke; M Kongsgaard; H Behzad; T Abraham; H Langberg; A Scott Journal: Scand J Med Sci Sports Date: 2013-07-25 Impact factor: 4.221