Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Murine Flexor Tendon Injury and Repair Surgery
Published on: September 19, 2016
Cell and Biologic-Based Treatment of Flexor Tendon Injuries
Stephen W Linderman1, Richard H Gelberman2, Stavros Thomopoulos3
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, United States.
Abstract:
The two primary factors leading to poor clinical results after intrasynovial tendon repair are adhesion formation within the digital sheath and repair-site elongation and rupture. As the outcomes following modern tendon multi-strand repair and controlled rehabilitation techniques are often unsatisfactory, alternative approaches, such as the application of growth factors and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have become increasingly attractive treatment options. Successful biological therapies require carefully controlled spatiotemporal delivery of cells, growth factors, and biocompatible scaffold matrices in order to simultaneously (1) promote matrix synthesis at the tendon repair site leading to increased biomechanical strength and stiffness and (2) suppress matrix synthesis along the tendon surface and synovial sheath preventing adhesion formation. This review summarizes recent cell and biologic-based experimental treatments for flexor tendon injury, with an emphasis on large animal translational studies.
Insights
New biologic therapies using growth factors and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise for improving flexor tendon repair outcomes by enhancing strength and preventing adhesions.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Intrasynovial flexor tendon repair often results in poor outcomes due to adhesion formation and repair site failure.
- Current multi-strand repair and rehabilitation techniques yield unsatisfactory results, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in cell and biologic-based experimental treatments for flexor tendon injuries.
- To highlight the potential of growth factors and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in improving tendon repair.
Main Methods:
- Summary of current literature on cell and biologic-based therapies for flexor tendon repair.
- Emphasis on translational studies using large animal models.
- Focus on spatiotemporal delivery of cells, growth factors, and scaffolds.
Main Results:
- Biological therapies aim to simultaneously promote matrix synthesis for increased biomechanical strength and suppress adhesions.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and growth factors are key components in these advanced treatment strategies.
- Controlled delivery systems are crucial for successful therapeutic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Cell and biologic-based therapies offer a promising alternative to conventional methods for flexor tendon repair.
- Future research should focus on optimizing the delivery and efficacy of these regenerative approaches.
- Large animal studies are vital for translating these experimental treatments into clinical practice.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:24Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF