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Vol 77, No 3 (2018)
Review article
Submitted: 2017-11-05
Accepted: 2018-01-05
Published online: 2018-01-11
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Tendon — function-related structure, simple healing process and mysterious ageing

J. Zabrzyński1, Ł. Łapaj2, Ł. Paczesny3, A. Zabrzyńska4, D. Grzanka5
DOI: 10.5603/FM.a2018.0006
·
Pubmed: 29345715
·
Folia Morphol 2018;77(3):416-427.
Affiliations
  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Multidisciplinary Hospital, Inowrocław, Poland
  2. Department of General, Oncologic Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Karol Marcinkowski Medical University, Poznań, Poland
  3. Department of Orthopaedics, Orvit Clinic, Citomed Healthcare Centre, Torun, Poland
  4. Division of Radiology, Dr Błażek's District Hospital, Inowrocław, Poland
  5. Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, University Hospital No.1, Bydgoszcz, Poland

open access

Vol 77, No 3 (2018)
REVIEW ARTICLES
Submitted: 2017-11-05
Accepted: 2018-01-05
Published online: 2018-01-11

Abstract

Tendons are connective tissue structures of paramount importance to human ability of locomotion. The understanding of their physiology and pathology is gaining importance as advances in regenerative medicine are being made today. So far, very few studies were conducted to extend the knowledge about pathology, healing response and management of tendon lesions. In this paper we summarise actual knowledge on structure, process of healing and ageing of the tendons. The structure of tendon is optimised for the best performance of the tissue. Despite the simplicity of the healing response, numerous studies showed that the problems with full recovery are common and much more significant than we thought; that is why we discussed the issue of immobilisation and mechanical stimulation during healing process. The phenomenon of tendons’ ageing is poorly understood. Although it seems to be a natural and painless process, it is completely different from degeneration in tendinopathy. Recent studies of biological treatment reported faster and optimal healing of the tendons when augmented by growth factors and stem cells. Despite advances in biology of tendons, management of their injuries is still a challenge for physicians; therefore, further studies are required to improve treatment outcomes.

Abstract

Tendons are connective tissue structures of paramount importance to human ability of locomotion. The understanding of their physiology and pathology is gaining importance as advances in regenerative medicine are being made today. So far, very few studies were conducted to extend the knowledge about pathology, healing response and management of tendon lesions. In this paper we summarise actual knowledge on structure, process of healing and ageing of the tendons. The structure of tendon is optimised for the best performance of the tissue. Despite the simplicity of the healing response, numerous studies showed that the problems with full recovery are common and much more significant than we thought; that is why we discussed the issue of immobilisation and mechanical stimulation during healing process. The phenomenon of tendons’ ageing is poorly understood. Although it seems to be a natural and painless process, it is completely different from degeneration in tendinopathy. Recent studies of biological treatment reported faster and optimal healing of the tendons when augmented by growth factors and stem cells. Despite advances in biology of tendons, management of their injuries is still a challenge for physicians; therefore, further studies are required to improve treatment outcomes.

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Keywords

tendon; tendon healing; ageing; collagen; therapeutic advances; training

About this article
Title

Tendon — function-related structure, simple healing process and mysterious ageing

Journal

Folia Morphologica

Issue

Vol 77, No 3 (2018)

Article type

Review article

Pages

416-427

Published online

2018-01-11

Page views

3501

Article views/downloads

3794

DOI

10.5603/FM.a2018.0006

Pubmed

29345715

Bibliographic record

Folia Morphol 2018;77(3):416-427.

Keywords

tendon
tendon healing
ageing
collagen
therapeutic advances
training

Authors

J. Zabrzyński
Ł. Łapaj
Ł. Paczesny
A. Zabrzyńska
D. Grzanka

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