Age-dependent expression of growth factor receptors in ACL fibroblasts

Introduction: Ruptures of the anterior cruciate ligament are an important health problem in current-day populations, with potentially serious sequelae for later mobility, ability to work and quality-of-life. This fact is further complicated by recent evidence, showing insufficient protection from joint degeneration even with treatment of these injuries with ACL reconstruction, the current gold standard. Thus tissue engineering methods are of interest to augment and improve ACL treatment options.