Combined use of bFGF and GDF-5 enhances the healing of medial collateral ligament injury

► bFGF/GDF-5 treatment increases cellular proliferation and migration of MCL fibroblasts. ► bFGF/GDF-5 hydrogels stimulate the healing of MCL injury in vivo. ► bFGF/GDF-5 hydrogels stimulate Col1a1 expression and type I collagen synthesis. ► Combined use of bFGF/GDF-5 enhances MCL healing.