Our Summary

This research paper talks about the problems faced by millions of people who suffer from injuries to their tendons, which connect muscles to bones. Despite advances in medicine, fixing these tendons remains a big challenge. However, a new discovery has sparked hope. Scientists have found special cells in tendons, called tendon stem/progenitor cells (TSCs), that can self-renew (i.e., create more of themselves) and change into different types of cells, a process called multi-differentiation. This is different from the normal cells in tendons, which can’t do these things. The researchers believe that these TSCs could play a crucial role in the healing of tendons. Importantly, because these cells are specific to tendons, they hold great potential for being used to engineer new tendon tissue in a lab, or to be used in cell-based therapies to repair or even regenerate injured tendons in patients.

FAQs

  1. What are the special cells found in tendons that could aid in their repair?
  2. How are these newly discovered tendon stem/progenitor cells different from normal tendon cells?
  3. How might tendon stem/progenitor cells potentially be used for the healing of tendons?

Doctor’s Tip

One important tip a doctor might give a patient undergoing tendon repair is to follow a proper rehabilitation program. This may include exercises to help strengthen the tendon and surrounding muscles, as well as gradually increasing the range of motion and weight-bearing activities. It is crucial to follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider and physical therapist to ensure a successful recovery and prevent re-injury. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can also support the healing process.

Suitable For

Patients who have suffered from tendon injuries, such as tendon tears or ruptures, are typically recommended tendon repair. This can include athletes who have sustained sports-related injuries, individuals who have been in accidents or falls, and those with chronic conditions such as tendinitis or tendinosis. Patients who have undergone unsuccessful previous tendon repairs or who have chronic pain and limited function due to tendon injuries may also be candidates for tendon repair surgery.

Timeline

Before tendon repair:

  1. Patient experiences an injury or trauma that damages a tendon, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
  2. Patient may try conservative treatments such as rest, ice, physical therapy, and medications to manage symptoms.
  3. If conservative treatments are not effective, patient may be recommended for tendon repair surgery.

After tendon repair:

  1. Patient undergoes tendon repair surgery, where the damaged tendon is repaired or replaced with a graft.
  2. Patient goes through a rehabilitation process, which includes physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the affected area.
  3. Over time, the repaired tendon heals and the patient gradually returns to regular activities and function.
  4. With the discovery of TSCs, there is potential for new treatments using these cells to enhance tendon healing and potentially regenerate damaged tissue more effectively.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about tendon repair include:

  1. What type of tendon injury do I have and what are my treatment options?
  2. Can tendon stem/progenitor cells be used in my treatment plan?
  3. How effective is tendon repair surgery and what is the recovery process like?
  4. Are there any risks or complications associated with tendon repair surgery?
  5. What is the success rate of tendon repair using stem/progenitor cells compared to traditional methods?
  6. How long will it take for me to fully recover from tendon repair surgery?
  7. Will I need physical therapy or other forms of rehabilitation after the surgery?
  8. Are there any specific lifestyle changes I should make to aid in the healing process of my tendon?
  9. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions to ensure the success of my tendon repair?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that may be beneficial for my tendon injury?

Reference

Authors: Wang JH, Komatsu I. Journal: Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016;920:53-62. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-33943-6_5. PMID: 27535248