Tendon tissue engineering and gene transfer: the future of surgical treatment.
Technologic improvements in the field of tissue engineering are leading to new potential developments in the currently used approaches to treat tendon injuries including difficult clinical scenarios such as zone II flexor tendon injuries of the hand and the mutilated hand with extensive tendon defects. A combination of mesenchymal (adult stem) cells, growth factors, and bioresorbable polymers can provide a solution for the treatment of difficult tendon injuries. Extensive research is needed to show that the extracellular matrix produced in response to the cell/growth factor/polymer composites in vivo is effective and functional as a regenerate tissue. Further exciting advances are foreseen in cell-based genetic engineering with the transfer of DNA to the site of tendon lacerations. These treatment modalities require improved safety precautions to reduce the risks and enhance the benefits of gene therapy.
Huang
Deqing
D
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Research Laboratories, University of Virginia Hand Center, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
Balian
Gary
G
Chhabra
A Bobby
AB
D000818:Animals; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000627:therapeutic use; D048091:Guided Tissue Regeneration / Q000379:methods; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D051381:Rats; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D013710:Tendons; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D014945:Wound Healing
D006133:Growth Substances