title: [Effects of growth factors on tendon healing].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the research and delivery methods of growth factors in tendon injuries, and to point out the problems at present as well as to predict the trend of development in this field.
  
  
  METHODS
  Domestic and international literature concerning growth factors to enhance tendon and ligament healing in recent years was extensively reviewed and thoroughly analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cell growth factor could promote tendon healing, improve the mechanical properties as well as reduce the adhesion postoperatively. The use of transgenic technology mediating cell factors to promote tendon repair shows its advantages in many ways.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The growth factors play a vital role in tendon healing. Reasonable treatment of growth factors through direct application or gene transfer techniques is of great value for the healing process.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing Jiangsu, 210009, P.R. China.
authors.forename: Zhen
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Geng
authors.forename: Chen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008022:Ligaments / Q000293:injuries; D013708:Tendon Injuries; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins