Freeze-dried implants loaded with gene therapy solution are being developed which may help repair injured and difficult-to-treat tendons.
Early trials in the US suggest the implants could accelerate healing, and help restore a wide range of movement.
They have been tested in mice with injuries similar to those found in the flexor tendon of human hands, which can be very tough to treat effectively.
The researchers say the technique holds out promise of effective new treatments for a range on injuries, including those to the anterior cruciate ligament and the rotator cuff.
Gene therapy is a field which is going to take off in a serious way over the next five to 10 years
Dr Steve Bollen
British Orthopaedic Sports Trauma Association
Tendons are elastic cords that anchor muscle to bone and enable flexing muscle to move limbs.
The University of Rochester work is featured in Molecular Therapy.
Gene therapy implants for tendons
clipped from: news.bbc.co.uk 