Abstract: The present invention provides a synthetic implantable scaffold comprising a plurality of polymer fibres in contact with a composition comprising a hydrogel-forming polymer and a biocompatible ceramic material. Preferably the polymer fibres are formed from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and are in the form of a bundle of fibres. Preferably the implantable scaffold comprises a plurality of bundles of individual polymer fibres, which may be in the form of a braid. The hydrogel-forming polymer is preferably polyvinyl alcohol for mimicking the fibre-ECM hierarchical structure of native tendons or ligaments. The biocompatible ceramic material is preferably Hardystonite (Ca2ZnSi2O7) doped with Sr, Mg or Ba. The synthetic implantable scaffold of the invention is particularly suited as a synthetic ligament or tendon. The invention also relates to a method for preparing a synthetic implantable scaffold, and use of the implantable scaffold for partial or full tendon or ligament repair.