Our Summary

Tendon injuries, which affect the connection between muscle and bone, are common and often lead to chronic pain, disability, and a significant economic burden. In the United States alone, there are over 300,000 tendon repair procedures each year to address these injuries, but the success rate is still not ideal. Despite advancements in surgical and therapy techniques, there is a high rate of complications.

This has led to the exploration of other therapeutic interventions to help improve the healing process. Various biological and tissue engineering approaches have been tried to enhance scarless tendon healing, but currently, there is no standard clinical treatment that has been proven to consistently improve tendon healing.

One of the main challenges is that the effectiveness of potential treatments is often limited when they are delivered through traditional systemic (whole-body) methods. This has highlighted the need for specific drug delivery methods that target the tendon directly.

This review article examines the current methods used for tendon-specific drug delivery, both through systemic and local treatments. It also looks at emerging technologies used in other tissue systems, and discusses the future challenges and opportunities in enhancing tendon healing through targeted drug delivery. The main goal is to identify more effective ways to treat tendon injuries and improve the healing process.

FAQs

  1. What is the prevalence of tendon injuries and how many tendon repair procedures are performed annually in the United States?
  2. What are the current methods used for tendon-targeted drug delivery?
  3. What challenges and opportunities are there to enhance tendon healing through targeted drug delivery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tendon repair is to follow a comprehensive rehabilitation program that includes physical therapy exercises to help strengthen the repaired tendon and improve range of motion. It is important to adhere to the recommended exercises and gradually increase intensity to prevent re-injury and promote optimal healing. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet rich in nutrients that support tendon health, such as protein, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids, can also aid in the healing process. Lastly, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions for post-operative care, such as wearing a brace or splint as directed and attending follow-up appointments to monitor progress.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended tendon repair surgery include those with acute tendon injuries from trauma, chronic tendinopathy, or degenerative conditions that have not responded to conservative treatments such as physical therapy. These patients may experience symptoms such as pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and difficulty performing daily activities. Tendon repair surgery may be recommended to restore function and alleviate symptoms, especially in cases where conservative treatments have been ineffective.

Timeline

Before tendon repair:

  • Patient experiences acute trauma or chronic tendinopathy leading to tendon injury
  • Pain, swelling, limited range of motion, and decreased function in the affected area
  • Diagnosis and consultation with a healthcare provider
  • Decision to undergo tendon repair surgery

After tendon repair:

  • Surgical procedure to repair the damaged tendon
  • Post-operative care including immobilization, physical therapy, and pain management
  • Gradual restoration of range of motion, strength, and function in the affected area
  • Rehabilitation process to regain full function and prevent re-injury
  • Follow-up appointments with healthcare provider to monitor healing progress and address any complications

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after tendon repair can vary depending on the severity of the injury, type of surgery performed, and individual healing process. It is important for patients to closely follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations and participate in rehabilitation to achieve optimal outcomes after tendon 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. How long is the recovery process after tendon repair surgery?
  4. What type of physical therapy or rehabilitation will be needed after surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies available for tendon repair?
  6. How can I optimize my chances of a successful outcome after tendon repair surgery?
  7. Are there any specific factors that may impact the success of my tendon repair surgery, such as age or underlying health conditions?
  8. How long will it take to regain full function and strength in the affected tendon after surgery?
  9. Are there any restrictions or limitations I should be aware of during the recovery process?
  10. What can I do to prevent future tendon injuries or complications after surgery?

Reference

Authors: Adjei-Sowah E, Benoit DSW, Loiselle AE. Journal: Tissue Eng Part B Rev. 2023 Aug;29(4):369-386. doi: 10.1089/ten.teb.2022.0188. Epub 2023 Mar 8. PMID: 36888543