Adrian McArdle, Kevin J. Paik, Michael T. Chung, Michael S. Hu, Graham Walmsley, Andrew Zimmermann, Victor W. Wong, Brian Hsueh, Andrew S. Chung, Geoffrey C. Gurtner, H. Peter Lorenz, Michael T. Longaker and Derrick C. Wan
The potential for stem cells to serve as cellular building blocks for reconstruction of complex defects has generated huge enthusiasm in the field of regenerative medicine. Skeletal and soft tissue defects due to trauma, tumor resection, and congenital anomalies present significant challenges for surgical reconstruction. The limitations of current treatment options have shifted attention to regenerative medicine, which has the potential to dramatically improve our ability to repair the human body. The possibility of regenerating lost or damaged tissues offers significant hope in the field of surgery. The present review article highlights recent progress in tissue-specific engineering with stem cells, and future directions for this rapidly evolving area of medicine.
