Current concepts and applications in the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous systems

Biotechnology and tissue engineering have broad applications over several medical disciplines. The advances in the fields of biotechnology and tissue engineering offer new possibilities in the repair or regeneration of tissue lost to disease or injury. Consequently, a major portion of the research effort has focused on applications in orthopaedics with emphasis on the development of techniques for developing bone, articular cartilage, ligaments, tendons and nerve. Tissue engineering represents a multidisciplinary approach to solving some of the most demanding medical problems, particularly the creation of new tissues similar to those in the living organism. These new technical approaches include strategies in using new synthetic polymer formulations and various alternatives in tissue regeneration. This paper will examine the possible impact of biomolecular medicine in areas critical to the future of hand surgery, including tissue replacement, tissue regeneration, wound heating, and bone, tendon, cartilage, Ligament and nerve repair. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.