Fibrocartilaginous Tissue: Why Does It Fail to Heal?

John T Marcoux; Lowell Tong

doi:10.1016/j.cpm.2022.02.005

Fibrocartilaginous Tissue: Why Does It Fail to Heal?

Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2022 Jul;39(3):437-450. doi: 10.1016/j.cpm.2022.02.005.

Authors

John T Marcoux¹, Lowell Tong²

Affiliations

¹ Division of Podiatry, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 185 Pilgrim Road, Span 3, Boston, MA 02215, USA. Electronic address: jmarcou2@bidmc.harvard.edu.
² Division of Podiatry, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 185 Pilgrim Road, Span 3, Boston, MA 02215, USA.

PMID: 35717061
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpm.2022.02.005

Abstract

Tendons and ligaments are critical components in the function of the musculoskeletal system, as they provide stability and guide motion for the biomechanical transmission of forces into bone. Several common injuries in the foot and ankle require the repair of ruptured or attenuated tendon or ligament to its osseous insertion. Understanding the structure and function of injured ligaments and tendons is complicated by the variability and unpredictable nature of their healing. The healing process at the tendon/ligament to bone interface is challenging and often frustrating to foot and ankle surgeons, as they have a high failure rate necessitating the need for revision.

Keywords: Bone; Enthesis; Fibrocartilage; Healing; Interface; Ligament; Tendon.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Ankle
Ankle Joint
Fibrocartilage* / injuries
Humans
Tendons*