eCM (Eur Cell Mater / e Cells & Materials) eCM Open Access Scientific Journal
 ISSN:1473-2262         NLM:100973416 (link)         DOI:10.22203/eCM

2013   Volume No 25 – pages 130-143

Title: Biologic scaffolds for musculotendinous tissue repair

Author: NJ Turner, SF Badylak

Address: McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Bridgeside Point 2, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA

E-mail: badylaks at upmc.edu

Key Words: Extracellular matrix; biologic scaffold; skeletal muscle; tendon; repair; tissue regeneration.

Publication date: January 18th 2013

Abstract: Traumatic injuries to the musculoskeletal system are common events and volumetric muscle loss (VML) is no longer a rare occurrence. Surgical intervention is typically the only option for restoration of partial function. Surgical intervention for VML however does not regenerate the lost tissue and typically results in alterations of both the anatomy and biomechanics at the site of injury. Non-traditional approaches to the restoration of functional musculoskeletal tissue, including those provided by tissue engineering and regenerative medicine strategies, become viable alternative therapies when the expected outcome is bleak. One such strategy involves the delivery of constructive cues and modulation of the micro-environmental niche via biologic scaffold materials. These materials ideally retain the native structure and composition of the extracellular matrix of the tissue from which they are derived. Some of the recent advances in the use of biologic scaffolds to target key stages of the musculotendinous repair process and promote the restoration of functional tissue are described herein.

Article download: Pages 130-143 (PDF file)
DOI: 10.22203/eCM.v025a09