Abstract
Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is a complex and heterogeneous problem due to significant traumatic or surgical loss of skeletal muscle tissue. The consequences of VML are substantial functional deficits in joint range of motion and skeletal muscle strength, resulting in life-long dysfunction and disability. Traditional physical medicine and rehabilitation paradigms do not address the magnitude of force loss due to VML and related musculoskeletal comorbidities. Recent advancements in regenerative medicine have set forth encouraging and emerging therapeutic options for VML injuries. There is significant potential that combined rehabilitative and regenerative therapies can restore limb and muscle function following VML injury in a synergistic manner. This review presents the current state of the VML field, spanning clinical and preclinical literature, with particular focus on rehabilitation and regenerative medicine in addition to their synergy. Moving forward, multidisciplinary collaboration between clinical and research fields is encouraged in order to continue to improve the treatment of VML injuries and specifically address the encompassing physiology, pathology, and specific needs of this patient population.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 237-249 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Cells Tissues Organs |
Volume | 202 |
Issue number | 3-4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Nov 2016 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Individualized medicine
- Muscle graft
- Orthopedic trauma
- Physical medicine
- Physical therapy
- Regenerative medicine
- Rehabilitation
- Skeletal muscle injury
- Tissue engineering