Growth factor confusion.

摘要

I have read with interest several articles in the Journal concerning the use of biologies to enhance ligament and tendon healing. Clearly, the use of growth factors is at the forefront of orthopaedic research and is becoming much more prevalent. Like many orthopaedic surgeons, I am excited about the potential that these growth factors and cyto-kines may offer our patients, but there are several issues that must be addressed before they are clinically applicable.Issues of manufacturing, efficacy, safety, dosing, method of administration, and regulatory pathways are all potential hurdles between animal studies and pilot studies in human beings. Furthermore, several growth factors play critical roles in the healing cascade, so it is important that studies are clear about which cytokines are being studied and how these products are processed and supplied.