Tissue engineered strategies for skeletal muscle injury.

Umile Giuseppe Longo,Mattia Loppini,Nicola Maffulli,Alessandra Berton,Filippo Spiezia,Vincenzo Denaro

doi:10.1155/2012/175038

Umile Giuseppe Longo, Mattia Loppini + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/175038

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Abstract

Skeletal muscle injuries are common in athletes, occurring with direct and indirect mechanisms and marked residual effects, such as severe long-term pain and physical disability. Current therapy consists of conservative management including RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and intramuscular corticosteroids. However, current management of muscle injuries often does not provide optimal restoration to preinjury status. New biological therapies, such as injection of platelet-rich plasma and stem-cell-based therapy, are appealing. Although some studies support PRP application in muscle-injury management, reasons for concern persist, and further research is required for a standardized and safe use of PRP in clinical practice. The role of stem cells needs to be confirmed, as studies are still limited and inconsistent. Further research is needed to identify mechanisms involved in muscle regeneration and in survival, proliferation, and differentiation of stem cells.

Highlights

Skeletal muscle injuries are common causes of severe longterm pain and physical disability, accounting for up to 55% of all sports injuries [1]
Further research is needed to identify mechanisms involved in muscle regeneration to exactly understand the therapeutic potential of stem cells
In most of the instances, current therapy consists of conservative management including RICE protocol and administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or intramuscular corticosteroids

Summary

Introduction

Skeletal muscle injuries are common causes of severe longterm pain and physical disability, accounting for up to 55% of all sports injuries [1]. Contusions and strains are the most frequent muscle lesions, representing more than 90% of all sports-related injuries [2]. Direct injuries include lacerations and contusions, while indirect injuries include complete or incomplete muscle strains [3]. Conservative management is commonly accepted, according to the principle that “muscle injuries do heal conservatively.” It follows the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). As current therapy does not seem to obtain complete restoration of preinjury status, new biological therapies could represent interesting and more effective strategies to manage muscle injuries. This paper provides an overview on current biological strategies for the management of patients with muscle injuries. The rationale behind these therapies and the best available evidence therapeutic options are reported

Growth Factors

Cell Therapy

Scaffolds

Findings

Conclusion