Increased expression of growth factors through adenoviral gene transfer. Anew technique of fracture treatment?

Gene therapy in orthopedic surgery is a new technic based on the idea of bi ological tissue healing. External gene segments are transferred to cells th at overexpress growth factors locally to achieve this effect. The influence of growth factors on fracture healing is very well documented in the liter ature. Experimental data demonstrate that defect healing in bone can be acc elerated by the application of different cytokines in vivo. Gene transfer i s a promising, new technic of in situ tissue engineering that will enter cl inics within the next decade.