Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Tendon & Ligament Injury Facts
Prevalence
Musculoskeletal injury impacts 50% of people 18 and older and 75% of people over 65. Tendon/ligament injuries (e.g. tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, rotator cuff, Achilles, ACL/MCL tears) make up more than 30% of these injuries.
The Impact
Tendon/ligament injuries prevent people from working or exercising and are the most common cause for athletes taking extended breaks.
Rapid and complete recovery presents the biggest challenge to returning to pre-injury form — often ending careers (both in sports and physically demanding professional trades).
Current Interventions & Recovery
Surgical repairs offer the fastest remedy but the highest complication rate based on the fibrovascular scar tissue formed rather than natural/normal tendon.
Non-operative approaches (rest, PT, etc.) provide the repair with the least complications but significantly longer recovery times.
The Challenges
Torn and sprained tendons heal through the formation of disorganized collagen fibers resulting in less strength and high re-tear rates.
Current therapeutic strategies do not produce natural tendon/ligament growth and repair but rather they rely on/induce disorganized scarring.
Quality of Life Costs
Strong joints and freedom of movement are critical to:
- successful employment in physically demanding professional trades
- remaining physically active to sustain overall health, especially in the elderly
- pursuing athletic goals in the amateur and professional arena
Economic Impact
Loss of strength, stability, mobility, or repeated re-tearing significantly impacts:
- ability to return to physical professions and earn a living
- sporting performance and potential to transition into professional sports
- diminished contribution to professional team performance reducing personal and franchise income