Tendon Regeneration Using Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to differentiate into the tenocyte lineage and regenerate diseased or injured tendons. Because there is a limited base of research on the tendon lineage, illustrative examples from the bone and cartilage lineage are included to define more clearly the clinical potential of this cell-based approach to medicine. The concluding sections of this chapter consider the emerging data that support the use of allogeneic/universal MSCs as a cost-effective and practical approach for clinical delivery of MSCs.