Stem cells are unique in that they have the capacity to develop into a range of specialized cell types. This fact has made them a very attractive target for regenerative therapies. Stem cells can be broadly split into 2 types, embryonic stem cells which have the capacity to differentiate into any cell type and adult stem cells which are more limited in the cell types they can become. Using bone marrow aspirates we can isolate mesenchymal stem cells which have the capacity to differentiate into tendon cells, bone cells, cartilage and fat and as such are perfect candidates for the regeneration of soft tissue damage. Mesenchymal stem cells can also be isolated from other tissue, for example, adipose tissue or umbilical cord.
As long ago as 1961 it was shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC’s) could develop into tendons in the lab and by the late 1990’s the regeneration of tendon-like tissue had been shown in vivo. Post-mortem results from MSC treated suspensory branches show good longitudinal orientation of fascicle and a collagenous matrix which exhibits a crimp pattern characteristic of ligament rather than scar tissue. Post-mortem results from MSC treated superficial digital flexor tendons show very good tendon healing and a fascicular arrangement that is largely retained / reconstituted and contains an adequate longitudinally arranged fibroblastic / tenocytic population.