Implantable medical devices for tendon and ligament repair: a review of patents and commercial products

Tendon and ligament injuries are a frequent and debilitating issue that affects many patients worldwide. The predominant solution is the suture thread, which is not without potential side effects and limitations. Implantable medical devices have gained more attention as an alternative approach. However, due to the many challenges of the inner body environment (limited available space, chemically aggressive environment, etc), the development of suitable devices is not exempt from practical and technical difficulties.