Tendon Regeneration: Understanding Tissue Physiology and Development to Engineer Functional Substitutes is the first book to highlight the multi-disciplinary nature of this specialized field and the importance of collaboration between medical and engineering laboratories in the development of tissue-oriented products for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (TERM) strategies. Beginning with a foundation in developmental biology, the book explores physiology, pathology, and surgical reconstruction, providing guidance on biological approaches that enhances tendon regeneration practices. Contributions from scientists, clinicians, and engineers who are the leading figures in their respective fields present recent findings in tendon stem cells, cell therapies, and scaffold treatments, as well as examples of pre-clinical models for translational therapies and a view of the future of the field. - Provides an overview of tendon biology, disease, and tissue engineering approaches - Presents modern, alternative approaches to developing functional tissue solutions discussed - Includes valuable information for those interested in tissue engineering, tissue regeneration, tissue physiology, and regenerative medicine - Explores physiology, pathology, and surgical reconstruction, building a natural progression that enhances tendon regeneration practices - Covers recent findings in tendon stem cells, cell therapies, and scaffold treatments, as well as examples of pre-clinical models for translational therapies and a view of the future of the field

A comprehensive and authoritative review of the most important scientific and clinically relevant topics today in ligaments, tendons, and capsular biology, including their biomechanics and surgical reconstruction. The authors review the basic science of tendons in the hand and shoulder ligaments, the current clinical status of the shoulder and cruciate ligaments, and the latest advances in research on the healing of ligament and tendon to bone, artificial ligaments, and gene therapy. They also cover the major type 1 collagen soft tissues that are of particular interest to upper extremity surgeons and sports medicine specialists.

Biomechanics of Tendons and Ligaments: Tissue Reconstruction looks at the structure and function of tendons and ligaments. Biological and synthetic biomaterials for their reconstruction and regeneration are reviewed, and their biomechanical performance is discussed. Regeneration tendons and ligaments are soft connective tissues which are essential for the biomechanical function of the skeletal system. These tissues are often prone to injuries which can range from repetition and overuse, to tears and ruptures. Understanding the biomechanical properties of ligaments and tendons is essential for their repair and regeneration. - Contains systematic coverage on how both healthy and injured tendons and ligaments work - Includes coverage of repair and regeneration strategies for tendons and ligaments - Presents an Interdisciplinary analysis on the topic

Mankind has reached its present physical form through evolution of the movement system. Muscles, bones, and joints are the most important components of the movement system. Muscles are active elements, while bones and joints are passive elements. But to bring about movement, these three elements must work together. Tendons are round, oval, or flat tissues that connect muscles to bones. Muscle, tendon, or ligament injuries prevent motion so this is an important issue in trauma. If muscle, tendon, or ligament injuries occur together with vessel or nerve injury, it may be life threatening. The cause of injury might differ from a simple sports injury to a serious traffic accident. Muscles, bones, and joints have taken their place in the literature, but it would be wrong to say the same for tendons. This book describes tendons from different perspectives, thus providing the missing information in the literature. I hope that this book will be useful for anyone who wants to read about new perspectives on tendons. I also hope that it will inspire researchers working in this field.

In our rapidly aging society, tendon and ligament injuries pose a tremendous socioeconomic burden with a great impact on mobility and patient quality of life. Understanding tendon/ligament development and maturation, pathogenesis, wound healing, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine approaches will be crucial. In this collection, we aim to showcase tendon and ligament research that spans the gamut of basic science to pre-clinical translation. These topics include but are not limited to tendon/ligament development and maturation, the pathogenesis of tendon and ligament injury, isolation and modification of stem cells and their products for regenerative medicine, identification and delivery of bioactive tenogenic/ligamentogenic molecules, development and characterization of bioactive and/or mechanically robust biomaterials in silico, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo for tissue engineering, as well as the use of novel multidisciplinary methodologies and technologies including systems biology and synthetic biology approaches for studying tendons and ligaments as well as enhancing their repair and regeneration. With this collection, we aim to expose readers to inter- and multi-disciplinary biological and bioengineering techniques and research, which will stimulate broader discussion and advance our understanding to improve tendon/ligament repair and regeneration.

Mechanical loading and the inflammatory response during tendon healing might be important for the healing process. Mechanical loading can improve the healing tendon but the mechanism is not fully understood. The aim of this thesis was to further clarify the effect of mechanical loading on tendon healing and how mechanical loading affects the inflammatory response during the healing process. We used a rat Achilles tendon model to study healing. The rats were exposed to different degrees of loading by unloading methods such as paralysis of the calf muscles with Botox, tail suspension, and an orthosis (a boot). Full loading was achieved by free cage activity or treadmill walking. Microdamage in tendons, unloaded with Botox, was also investigated by needling. The healing tendons were evaluated in a materials testing machine (to analyze the mechanical properties), by gene expression analysis (microarray and PCR), or histology. Our results show that moderate loading (unloading with Botox) improves the mechanical properties of healing tendons compared to minimal loading (unloading with Botox in combination with tail suspension or a boot), especially the material properties. In accordance to these findings, expression of extracellular matrix genes were also increased by moderate compared to minimal loading. Full loading improved all mechanical properties and the expression of extracellular matrix genes was further increased compared to moderate loading. However, structural properties, such as the strength and the size of the healing tendon, were more affected by full loading. Full loading also affected the expression of inflammation-related genes during the early healing phase, 3 and 5 days after tendon injury, and increased the number of immune cells in the healing tendon tissue. Also microdamage of the healing tendon (detected by blood leakage) was increased by full loading compared to moderate loading during the early healing phase. Induced microdamage by repeated needling in the healing tendon tissue increased the structural properties of the healing tendon. The gene expression after needling was similar to the gene expression after full loading. The improvement of mechanical properties by loading in healing tendons was decreased by an anti-inflammatory drug called parecoxib, which decreases the production of prostaglandins by inhibiting COX-2 activity. The effect of parecoxib was reduced when loading was reduced but we could not confirm that the effect of parecoxib was related to the degree of loading. However, parecoxib abolished the stimulatory effect of microdamage. In conclusion, these studies show that moderate loading improves the quality of the healing tendon whereas full loading also increases the quantity of the healing tendon tissue. Full loading creates microdamage and increases inflammation during the early healing phase. The strong effect of full loading on the structural properties might be due to microdamage. Indeed, the anti-inflammatory drug parecoxib seems to impair mechanical stimulation of healing tendons by reducing the response to microdamage.

This book presents the latest advances in the field of regenerative medicine in plastic surgery. It is the first authoritative reference documenting all the ways that plastic surgical practice and regenerative medicine science overlap or provide a road map for the future of both specialties. The Editors have provided a valuable service by gathering in one place the leading voices in these two fields in clear and concise manner.The first part introduces readers to essential principles of skin and soft tissue regeneration, e.g. the possibility of using mesenchymal stem cells for wound healing. Since bone serves as a supportive tissue in most of the body, bone regeneration is an important aspect of regenerative medicine; accordingly, the second part discusses the novel bone implants, activated bone grafts and bone tissue engineering. The book’s third part, focusing on cartilage regeneration, includes chapters on e.g. stem cells and ear regeneration. In turn, part four addresses muscle and tendon regeneration: from tendon to bone and tendon to muscle, as well as aging in the realm of muscle regeneration. Lastly, part five highlights nerve regeneration, deepening surgeons’ knowledge to help them successfully treat injuries to the peripheral neural system. Written by leading experts this book is an invaluable resource for researchers, students, beginners and experienced clinicians in a range of specialties. "With beautiful clinical images and artwork, this book will be a central companion to both practicing plastic surgeons who wish to remain abreast of oncoming technologic advances and regenerative medicine researchers who wish to understand the current state of the art of surgical reconstruction." - Geoffrey C. Gurtner, MD, FACS Johnson and Johnson Distinguished Professor of Surgery Professor (by courtesy) of Bioengineering and Materials Science Inaugural Vice Chairman of Surgery for Innovation Stanford University School of Medicine

In 25 years of practicing structural/osteopathic manual therapy the author has done considerable work with seriously damaged tendons and ligaments, and has achieved results that conventional medicine would rate as improbable. Over time, he has developed a therapeutic model for treating these injuries so that individuals with chronic conditions -- who have exhausted the standard physiotherapy options and are facing surgery -- can have a viable option for recovery. His techniques, based on basic principles of structural healthcare, emphasize the importance of precise anatomical focus and the capacity to work with subtle changes of structure. Of essential importance is combining detailed specific treatment of the small fibers and tissues of the local injury area with an overall approach to improving larger body patterns and tensions. Logically, the responsiveness and self-corrective capacity of body tissues when given proper conditions is also an important factor. The primary techniques used are the osteopathic methods of strain-counterstrain, cranial and visceral osteopathy, and fascial release, as well as body-mind centering, zero balancing, and acupressure. His clinical model, which represents a new approach to serious, chronic tendon and ligament injuries, is based on these techniques, their combinations and specific usage, and the skills and aptitudes necessary for applying these techniques, including certain perceptual skills and a thorough knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology. Weintraub's descriptions are vital, interesting, alive, absorbing, even dramatic. He discusses at great length the nature of the tendons and ligaments, describes his manual therapy model -- comparing it with conventional medical procedures -- and covers processes and tissue changes in tendon/ligament healing as related to manual therapy. Case studies, self-help strategies, and thoughtful words on clinical efficacy and future directions in the field make for a thorough and well-rounded presentation. (Product Description).

This reference work presents the origins of cells for tissue engineering and regeneration, including primary cells, tissue-specific stem cells, pluripotent stem cells and trans-differentiated or reprogrammed cells. There is particular emphasis on current understanding of tissue regeneration based on embryology and evolution studies, including mechanisms of amphibian regeneration. The book covers the use of autologous versus allogeneic cell sources, as well as various procedures used for cell isolation and cell pre-conditioning , such as cell sorting, biochemical and biophysical pre-conditioning, transfection and aggregation. It also presents cell modulation using growth factors, molecular factors, epigenetic approaches, changes in biophysical environment, cellular co-culture and other elements of the cellular microenvironment. The pathways of cell delivery are discussed with respect to specific clinical situations, including delivery of ex vivo manipulated cells via local and systemic routes, as well as activation and migration of endogenous reservoirs of reparative cells. The volume concludes with an in-depth discussion of the tracking of cells in vivo and their various regenerative activities inside the body, including differentiation, new tissue formation and actions on other cells by direct cell-to-cell communication and by secretion of biomolecules.

This book explores in a comprehensive manner the causes and symptoms of muscle and tendon pathologies, the available diagnostic procedures, and current treatment approaches. Specific aspects of the anatomy, biomechanics, and function of muscles and tendons are analyzed, and detailed guidance is provided on the most innovative methods – both conservative and surgical – for ensuring that the athlete can make a safe and quick return to sporting activity. Optimal care of tendon and muscle injuries in sportspeople requires effective cooperation of sports scientists and medical practitioners to identify the best ways of preserving muscle and tendon structures and to develop new strategies for their rehabilitation and regeneration. Muscle and Tendon Injuries is an excellent multidisciplinary reference written by the leading experts in the field and published in collaboration with ISAKOS. It will appeal to all specialists in sports medicine and sports traumatology who are seeking a state of the art update on the management of muscle and tendon disorders.