Discovery of Stem Cells in Tendons : May Revolutionise Sports Injury

Injuries caused to the Tendons and Ligaments are devastating to the athletes. It not only sets them back in competitive world, but often leads to sub-optimal recovery leading to decrease in strength and performance.

Tendon injuries have always been found to heal incompletely and often with fibrosis, which lead to assumption that there exists no stem cells in tendons. But discovery of stem cells in the patellar tendons at Carnegie Institution for Science has given hope for altogether a different mode of treatment with possibility of near complete and natural treatment.

Stem cells in Tendons just like stem cells anywhere in body are capable of developing into different kind of mature tissues. In Tendons under appropriate conditions these stem cells may outgrow fibrous tissue.

Research is underway to find methods to prevent fibrous scar tissue formation and encourage stem cells to differentiate into normal tissue.

This needs to undergo further research and extensive trials. If successful, it can revolutionise the way sports injuries are managed world over. It will lead in better outcome and can put back the injured athlete faster on track.