The future: rehabilitation, gene therapy, optimization of healing.

Tendon disorders can be debilitating for patients and are difficult to manage. Current management strategies offer symptomatic relief, but may not result in definitive disease resolution. Despite remodeling, the biochemical and mechanical properties of healed tendon tissue never match those of intact tendon. This article outlines the stages of tendon healing, and reviews the possible strategies for optimizing tendon healing and repair, such as cytokine therapy, gene therapy, and tissue engineering.