Tendon response to trauma and its possible clinical application. An experimental study in primates.

A study was undertaken to determine the response of tendon to trauma, and to establish the precise role of the intrinsic tendon cells vis-à-vis the paratendinous tissues in the healing process. It was found that tendon collagen has the ability to resist gross trauma and that tendons possess an inherent ability to regenerate and heal. The high rate of proliferation of synovial cells and the initial much lower rate of activity of intrinsic tendon cells have a direct bearing on the end result of the repair process. The principle of pre-stimulation of the tendon to improve the intrinsic vasculature and hence the rate and the quality of the healing process has been applied with promising, indeed striking, effect.