Objective To review the research and appl ication of functional tissue engineered tendons (FTETs). Methods Recent l iterature concerning the research of FTETs was reviewed and analyzed. Results Functional tissue engineering (FTE) was a new approach that placed an emphasis on the importance of mechanical stress in determining the success of tissue engineered constructs and the effect of tissue remodel ing in vivo. The concept of FTE was introduecd into the research of tissue engineered tendons; by measuring in vivo loads of normal tendon and using the information as a guidel ine, theappropriate tissue engineered tendon which can withstand in vivo loads was designed. It would be possible to solve the problems that the biomechanical function of the tissue engineered tendons could not meet the requirements of the loading environment in vivo. Conclusion FTETs have a more promising future for the treatment of tendon defects.
