Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
18
Regenerative Medicine for Tendon
Regeneration and Repair: The Role of
Bioscaffolds and Mechanical Loading
Franco Bassetto, Andrea Volpin and Vincenzo Vindigni
Unit of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Padova,
Italy
1. Introduction
Tendons are soft connective tissues, which connect muscle to bone forming a musculo-
tendinous unit, whose primary function is to transmit tensile loads generated by muscles to
move and enhance joints stability.
Adult tendons have relatively low oxygen and nutrient requirements, low cell density, and
poor regenerative capacity.
The biomechanical properties of tendons are mainly attributed to the high degree of
organization of the tendon extracellular matrix, primarily composed of collagen type I,
arranged in triple-helical molecules bundles that have different dimensions and which are
aligned in a parallel manner in a proteoglycan matrix (Fig. 1).
Fig. 1. Hierarchy of tendon structure.
Tendon injuries produce considerable morbidity and affect the quality of life, the disability
that they cause may last for several months despite what is considered appropriate
