Flexor Tendon Adhesion Formation: Current Concepts

Hand Clin. 2023 May;39(2):171-180. doi: 10.1016/j.hcl.2022.08.018. Epub 2023 Feb 14.

Abstract

Over the years, various physical and chemical/biological methods of inhibiting adhesion formation have been developed, focusing on how to suppress healing around the tendon and not inhibit healing within the tendon. Unfortunately, however, these methods are accompanied by drawbacks, both large and small, and no absolute antiadhesion method capable of maintaining tendon repair strength has yet been developed. Recent innovations in biomaterials science and tissue engineering have produced new antiadhesion technologies, such as barriers combined with cytokines and cells, which have improved outcomes in animal models, and which may find clinical relevance in the future.

Keywords: Biomaterials; Hydrogel; Lubricin; PXL01; TGF-Beta; Tendon adhesion; Tendon injury; Tendon repair.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytokines
  • Humans
  • Tendon Injuries* / surgery
  • Tendons / surgery
  • Tissue Adhesions / prevention & control
  • Wound Healing

Substances

  • Cytokines