What is the primary result of muscle repair following injury?

The primary result of muscle repair following injury is typically through fibrosis rather than regeneration. When muscle tissue is damaged, the body initiates a healing process that involves the formation of scar tissue made up of fibrous connective tissue. This fibrous tissue helps to stabilize the area and restore some functionality, but it does not regenerate muscle fibers.

While muscle can regenerate to some extent, especially in young individuals and with mild injuries, the extent of functional muscle regeneration is often limited. The repair process may involve satellite cells, which can help in muscle repair by proliferating and differentiating into new muscle fibers. However, the creation of new functional muscle tissue can be inadequate, leading to the prevalence of scar tissue formation. This scar tissue can replace the functional muscle fibers, impacting the strength and flexibility of the muscle in the long term. Thus, the process of healing is characterized by fibrosis over complete restoration of the original muscle architecture and function.