BMP-2 gene-modified mesenchymal stem cells enhance tendon-bone healing in ACL reconstruction: a rabbit micro-CT and biomechanical study.

Summary: When people tear their ACL (a major knee ligament), doctors fix it by attaching a new piece of tendon to the bone. But sometimes, the tendon and bone don't heal well together, which can cause the surgery to fail. Scientists tested a new idea on rabbits: using special stem cells that were given a "bone-building" gene called BMP-2. They found that these supercharged stem cells helped the bone and tendon heal much faster and stronger than normal. The knees treated with the special stem cells could handle significantly more physical force before breaking. This exciting discovery could lead to better knee surgeries and fewer failed ACL repairs in the future!