Objective To study the status quo ofthe methods and materials for accelerating the tendon healing and preventing the tendon adhesion as to provide an essential reference for future research and clinical application. Methods The recent articles on methods of accelerating tendon healing and preventing tendon adhesion were extensively reviewed. Results Tendon healing was decided by the co-effects of both endogenous and exogenous ways, and the former was more important. It was affected by the tendon sheath, vincula tendinum and synovial fluid as well. Tendon adhesion was mostly caused by excessive participation of exogenous healing factors and serious damage of the situations around the tendon. Tendon healing was accelerated by methods like repairing, reconstruction of peri-tendon tissues, electric stimulation, physiotherapy, adding herbs or growth factors,and gene intervention. Tendon adhesion was reduced or prevented by methods likethe restoration of tendon sheath, using substitutions, adding herbs/ drugs, andimproving suturing techniques. Conclusion Via the appropriate methods and techniques combining the Chinese traditional and modern medicine, tendon healing can be accelerated and the quality of tendon healing can be improved.
