Scientists studying the field of tissue engineering are very interested in knowing the answer to your question. If we can understand the normal pathways of tissue healing, then maybe we can find a way for ligaments like the ACL to repair itself.

The poor healing capacity of the ACL can be explained in part by its biology. First there is a very thin lining or sheath around the ACL. Once this sheath is disrupted, the blood supply to the ligament is decreased greatly.

Normal healing and repair depend on the formation of a hematoma. A hematoma is a collection of blood cells trapped in the tissues after trauma or injury. Somehow the presence of the hematoma sets up the right environment needed for tissue healing. Without a blood supply, there can be no hematoma formation.

The hematoma provides a base camp so-to-speak for local growth factors and chemicals to come and set up a mesh or scaffold. Cells fill in around the scaffold forming collagen and scar tissue. It looks like there’s a complex interchange between repair cells, growth chemicals, and the scaffold needed for healing. Without the hematoma to get the process started, ligaments don’t recover on their own.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com. The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

Aging is linked with osteoarthritis (OA) of the joints. The hip and knee are affected most often.

Stiffness is also common as we get older. There are many reasons for this. Tendons and ligaments have less water in them. The drying effect makes the joints seem stiff. The cells that make up soft tissues are called collagen. Fewer new collagen cells are formed so we lose some elasticity in the joints and muscles.

There are other changes going on in the joints. The cartilage loses strength. Changes in the cells of the cartilage lead to OA. There is a thinning of the joint space as the cartilage breaks down. This loss in joint space can be seen on X-ray. It’s the most common way to diagnose OA.

A medical doctor will use tests of motion and strength along with X-rays to make the diagnosis. An early diagnosis is best so that early treatment can limit problems.

The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic. For more information on this subject, visit www.zehrcenter.com.