Nanostructure-Enhanced Proliferative Therapy for Ligaments and Tendons

In our general population, sprains and strains account for 5.7 million visits to emergency rooms in the United States each year1. A strain is an injury to the muscle or tendon due to overuse or trauma. A sprain is a damaged or torn ligament resulting from excessive force or motion having been applied to a joint. While a sprain can occur in any joint, the most common joints to be injured are the knees, ankles, and fingers. Not only must the initial injury be managed and considered, but it would also be very beneficial to have a therapy that prevents chronic joint instability. For those who experience an ankle sprain, for example, it is astounding that the majority are likely to suffer a recurrent injury in that joint2. When the injury results in a torn ligament or tendon, either from recurrent injury or serious initial trauma, ligament and tendon surgical replacement or repair are the only current options. It is estimated that between 100,000 and over 250,000 patients have anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) disruptions each year in the United States, with nearly 50,000 of these injuries requiring surgical reconstruction2. Anyone injured with sprains or strains would greatly benefit from a permanent, nonsurgical strengthening of the ligaments or tendons.Copyright © 2012 by ASME