Illustration showing tendon injury in a hand Improving injury outcomes

Our goal is to develop better tendon and tissue repair and reconstruction techniques, with research focused on orthopedics, biomechanics, biochemistry, dynamic ultrasound, and molecular and cell biology.

Overview

The Tendon and Soft Tissue Biology Laboratory of Peter C. Amadio, M.D., researches injuries to tendons and soft tissues, including carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff injuries, and face and hand transplant needs.

Flexor tendon injury and repair poses a surgical challenge because of the high complication rate, including adhesion formation, gapping and rupture, which typically require a second surgery to restore finger function.

Research goals and topics

Our research goals focus on several important aspects related to improving the outcomes of flexor tendon repair.

These include:

  • Lubricant effect
  • Optimal postoperative rehabilitation
  • Appropriate surgical repair and reconstruction techniques
  • Role of growth factor on tendon healing and adhesion formation

Current research topics within the Tendon and Soft Tissue Biology Lab relate to a wide range of disciplines and technologies, such as orthopedics, biomechanics, biochemistry, dynamic ultrasound, and molecular and cell biology.

About Dr. Amadio

Dr. Amadio is the Lloyd A. and Barbara A. Amundson Professor of Orthopedics, with joint appointments in the Mayo Clinic Division of Health Care Policy & Research and the Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering.

A main goal of Dr. Amadio's lab is to improve the results of tendon repair by applying tissue engineering approaches to two interrelated issues:

  • The effect of loading on wound healing and soft tissue material properties (Wolff's law of soft tissue)
  • The effect of tendon repair and lubrication on tendon gliding

Dr. Amadio's research interests include:

  • Outcomes research
  • Tendon healing
  • Wolff's law of soft tissue

Dr. Amadio is also an active member of the Division of Hand Surgery in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and his clinical interests include congenital hand diseases, upper extremity tumors and distal upper extremity tendon injuries.