Platelet-derived growth factor composition and methods for the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries

1. A method for treatment of a tendon injury or a ligament injury not involving a bone in an individual comprising:

a) administering to an affected site of the injury of the individual an effective amount of a composition comprising: a biocompatible matrix and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), wherein the PDGF is present as a solution comprising PDGF, the concentration of PDGF in the solution is about 0.1 mg/ml to about 2.0 mg/ml, the biocompatible matrix comprises pores, the biocompatible matrix has a porosity of at least about 80%, and at least about 50% of the PDGF is released within about 24 hours after administration; and

b) mechanically stabilizing the tendon by suturing the tendon or ligament with sutures, wherein the sutures comprise PDGF.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible matrix has a porosity of at least about 85%.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible matrix has a porosity of at least about 90%.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible matrix has a porosity of at least about 92%.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible matrix has a porosity of at least about 95%.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pores have an average area ranging from about 2500 μm 2 to about 20,000 μm 2 .

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pores have an average perimeter ranging from about 200 μm to about 600 μm.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pores have diameters ranging from about 1 μm to about 1 mm.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the pores have diameters at least about 5 μm.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the pores are interconnected pores.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least about 60% of the PDGF is released within about 24 hours.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least about 70% of the PDGF is released within about 24 hours.

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least about 80% of the PDGF is released within about 24 hours.

14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible matrix is resorbed within about 21 days of in vivo administration.

15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible matrix is resorbed within about 18 days of in vivo administration.

16. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible matrix is resorbed within about 15 days of in vivo administration.

17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible matrix comprises collagen.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the collagen is soluble.

19. The method of claim 17 , wherein the collagen is cross-linked.

20. The method of claim 17 , wherein the biocompatible matrix further comprises a glycosaminoglycan.

21. The method of claim 20 , wherein the glycosaminoglycan is chondroitin sulfate.

22. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is a gel, particle, powder, sheet, pad, paste, patch, or sponge.

23. The method of claim 1 , wherein the composition is flowable.

24. The method of claim 1 , wherein the concentration of PDGF in the solution is about 0.1 mg/ml to about 0.4 mg/ml.

25. The method of claim 1 , wherein the concentration of PDGF in the solution is about 0.9 mg/ml to about 1.5 mg/ml.

26. The method of claim 1 , wherein cells infiltrate the composition within about 4 days after exposure to the composition.

27. The method of claim 23 , wherein the step of administering comprises administering to the affected site of the injury of said individual the effective amount of the composition using a syringe.

28. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tendon is selected from the group consisting of patellar tendon, anterior tibialis tendon, Achilles tendon, Hamstring tendon, semitendinosus tendon, gracilis tendon, abductor tendon, adductor tendon, supraspinatus tendon, infraspinatus tendon, subscapularis tendon, tere minor tendon, flexor tendon, rectus femoris tendon, tibialis posterior tendon, and quadriceps femoris tendon.

29. The method of claim 1 , wherein the ligament is selected from the group consisting of anterior cruciate ligament, lateral collateral ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament, cranial cruciate ligament, caudal cruciate ligament, cricothyroid ligament, periodontal ligament, suspensory ligament of the lens, anterior sacroiliac ligament, posterior sacroiliac ligament, sacrotuberous ligament, sacrospinous ligament, inferior pubic ligament, superior pubic ligament, suspensory ligament, palmar radiocarpal ligament, dorsal radiocarpal ligament, ulnar collateral ligament, and radial collateral ligament.

30. The method of claim 1 , wherein the tendon or ligament injury is tendon or ligament rupture, severance, tearing, delamination, strain, or deformation.

31. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sutured tendon or ligament is positioned such that the ends of the injured ligament are substantially re-approximated.

32. The method of claim 1 , wherein the sutures are coated with the PDGF or soaked with a solution comprising the PDGF.

33. The method of claim 32 , wherein the solution has a PDGF concentration ranging from about 5 mg/mL to about 20 mg/mL.

34. The method of claim 32 , wherein the sutures are resorbable.