Role of Regenerative Medicine in Tendinopathies
摘要
The mechanisms underlying tendinopathies remain incompletely understood, with ongoing debates regarding the roles of inflammation and degeneration in their development. Overuse is commonly identified as a primary trigger, resulting in micro-ruptures of tendon fibres, which release molecules that can either facilitate healing or provoke inflammation. Accompanying this process are neural growth and new blood vessel formation, which contribute to pain and neurogenic inflammation, indicating a complex interaction between inflammation and degeneration. Post-surgical tendon healing often leads to suboptimal outcomes due to the formation of fibrovascular scar tissue, which possesses inferior mechanical properties compared to healthy tendon tissue, potentially resulting in chronic pain and limited mobility. To address these challenges, various regenerative approaches—including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, stem cell injections, and scaffolds—have emerged as promising solutions to enhance tendon repair and promote tissue regeneration. These techniques aim to improve healing by providing essential biological signals and structural support, ultimately fostering the development of stronger, more functional tendon tissue. Comprehensive documentation of existing data on these regenerative interventions is essential for evaluating their effectiveness and guiding future research and clinical applications.