Our Summary

This research paper discusses the challenges in treating injuries to ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. These tissues don’t repair themselves very well due to a lack of blood vessels and nerves. Even though surgery is often used to treat these injuries, there are still issues that can slow down the healing process. The research suggests that a substance called FGF2, when introduced from an outside source, can play a significant role in repairing these injuries. It works together with the body’s naturally occurring FGF2 to speed up healing. As such, FGF2 could be used as a new means to enhance the healing of tendons and cartilage after an injury.

FAQs

  1. What challenges are faced in treating injuries to ligaments, tendons, and cartilage?
  2. How does FGF2 play a role in repairing injuries to ligaments, tendons, and cartilage?
  3. Could FGF2 potentially be used to enhance the healing process of tendons and cartilage after an injury?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tendon repair is to follow a personalized rehabilitation plan to strengthen the injured tendon and prevent re-injury. This may include exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion, as well as advice on proper body mechanics and ergonomics to prevent further strain on the tendon. It’s important to follow the doctor’s recommendations and attend follow-up appointments to track progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and sufficient rest can support the healing process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tendon repair surgery are those who have suffered a severe injury to their tendons, such as a complete tear or rupture. This can occur in athletes who have overused or strained their tendons, as well as in individuals who have experienced a traumatic injury, such as a fall or impact. Tendon repair surgery may also be recommended for patients with chronic tendonitis or tendinosis that has not responded to conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Additionally, patients with degenerative conditions such as arthritis may benefit from tendon repair surgery to help alleviate pain and improve function in the affected joint.

Timeline

Before tendon repair:

  1. Injury occurs to the tendon, causing pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient seeks medical attention and is diagnosed with a tendon injury through physical examination and imaging tests.
  3. Non-surgical treatments such as rest, ice, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications may be recommended initially.
  4. If non-surgical treatments are ineffective, surgery may be recommended to repair the tendon.

After tendon repair:

  1. Surgery is performed to repair the tendon, which may involve suturing, grafting, or other techniques depending on the severity of the injury.
  2. Post-operative care includes immobilization, physical therapy, and gradually increasing activity levels to promote healing and restore function.
  3. Healing process can take several months, with gradual improvement in pain, strength, and range of motion.
  4. Patient may experience some discomfort and stiffness during the recovery period.
  5. Full recovery and return to normal activities can take several months to a year, depending on the extent of the injury and the success of the surgical repair.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of tendon repair surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with tendon repair surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after tendon repair surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies available for tendon injuries?
  5. How can I optimize my healing process and prevent re-injury after tendon repair surgery?
  6. Can the use of FGF2 be beneficial in speeding up the healing process of my tendon injury?
  7. What are the potential side effects of using FGF2 for tendon repair?
  8. How long will it take for me to see results from using FGF2 for tendon repair?
  9. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or activities I should avoid during the healing process?
  10. How often will I need follow-up appointments to monitor my progress after tendon repair surgery?

Reference

Authors: Zhang J, Liu Z, Li Y, You Q, Yang J, Jin Y, Zou G, Tang J, Ge Z, Liu Y. Journal: Regen Med. 2020 Sep;15(9):2129-2142. doi: 10.2217/rme-2019-0080. Epub 2020 Nov 17. PMID: 33201773