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Review
. 2021 Aug;35(3):211-215.
doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1731632. Epub 2021 Jul 15.

Tendon: Principles of Healing and Repair

Christian Chartier  1 , Hassan ElHawary  2 , Aslan Baradaran  2 , Joshua Vorstenbosch  2 , Liqin Xu  2 , Johnny Ionut Efanov  3
Affiliations
Review

Tendon: Principles of Healing and Repair

Christian Chartier et al. Semin Plast Surg. 2021 Aug.

Abstract

Tendon stores, releases, and dissipates energy to efficiently transmit contractile forces from muscle to bone. Tendon injury is exceedingly common, with the spectrum ranging from chronic tendinopathy to acute tendon rupture. Tendon generally develops according to three main steps: collagen fibrillogenesis, linear growth, and lateral growth. In the setting of injury, it also repairs and regenerates in three overlapping steps (inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling) with tendon-specific durations. Acute injury to the flexor and extensor tendons of the hand are of particular clinical importance to plastic surgeons, with tendon-specific treatment guided by the general principle of minimum protective immobilization followed by hand therapy to overcome potential adhesions. Thorough knowledge of the underlying biomechanical principles of tendon healing is required to provide optimal care to patients presenting with tendon injury.

Keywords: tendon healing; tendon inflammation; tendon repair.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None declared.

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