Acellular Human Dermal Allograft Research Articles

Ultrasound and patient-reported outcomes of rotator cuff repair with new acellular human allograft at 6 months and 1 year post surgery

PurposeDetermine the effect of a novel acellular cannulated dermal allograft, on tendon-to-bone healing, retear rates, and clinical outcomes over a 12-month period. MethodsThis was a single surgeon prospective non-randomized case series. Patients with medium sized full-thickness superior and posterosuperior rotator cuff tears, as confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were consented. Patients were excluded if they had fatty atrophy indicative of Goutallier grade III or IV. The allograft is a cannulated rectangular prism that has a 5-year shelf life, does not require prehydration, and does not need to be trimmed to size. Outcome metrics included ultrasound (US) assessment at 1 year as well as 6 month patient reported outcomes scores. Results31 patients consented and enrolled in this consecutive cohort series. 9 patients were excluded and statistical analysis was performed on the remaining 22 patients. There were 9 females and 13 males. The average age was 59.27 ± 7.48 years old. The average supraspinatus short axis measurement in males was 0.56 ± 0.12 cm and 0.52 ± 0.09 cm in females (p=0.44). The average supraspinatus long axis measurement in males was 0.61 ± 0.18 cm and 0.55 ± 0.14 cm in females (p=0.46). The average infraspinatus short axis measurement in males was 0.48 ± 0.10 cm and 0.50 ± 0.13 in females (p=0.74). The average infraspinatus long axis measurement in males was 0.44 ± 0.12 cm and 0.43 ± 0.08 cm in females (p=0.84). Of the 19 patients who completed baseline and 6 month PRO’s, 17 achieved the MCID for ASES and PROMIS UE 7a. Retear occurred in 2 cases. The remaining 20 cases have all demonstrated healing or fully healed repairs at their most recent clinic visits with no additional cases of retears. ConclusionThis study is the first to report the results of a novel acellular dermal allograft for Rotator Cuff Repair Augmentation. Satisfactory patient-reported outcome measures and robust tendon healing at 1 year as measured by ultrasound demonstrate the utility of a cannulated human acellular dermal allograft as a viable biologic augmentation device for Rotator Cuff repair.

Acellular Human Dermal Allograft Tuberoplasty Improved the Biomechanics in Mid-Range and Higher Abduction Angles in a Cadaveric Model of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

PurposeTo evaluate the biomechanical effects of Acellular Human Dermal Allograft Tuberoplasty (AHDAT) in a cadaveric model of an irreparable supraspinatus + anterior ½ infraspinatus (Stage III) rotator cuff tear . MethodsEight cadaveric shoulders were tested at 20°, 40°, and 60° glenohumeral abduction (AB) and 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° external rotation (ER). Superior humeral translation, acromiohumeral distance, and subacromial contact were quantified for four conditions: 1) intact, 2) stage III tear (entire supraspinatus and anterior one-half infraspinatus), 3) single-layer AHDAT, and 4) double-layer AHDAT. ResultsStage III tear significantly increased superior translation at 20° and 40°AB and all ER angles and at 60° AB/60° ER (P ≤ 0.045 vs. intact). Compared to the stage III tear, the single-layer AHDAT significantly decreased superior translation at 60° AB/60° ER (P = 0.003); whereas, the double-layer AHDAT significantly decreased superior translation at 40° and 60° AB at all ER angles except 60° AB/0° ER (P ≤ 0.028). The stage III tear significantly decreased acromiohumeral distance at 20° AB (P ≤ 0.003); both grafts increased acromiohumeral distance to intact levels(P ≥ 0.055 vs. intact). Stage III tear increased subacromial contact pressure at 20° and 40° AB/ 0° and 30° ER and at 60° AB/30° and 60° ER (P ≤ 0.034). Both AHDAT groups decreased contact pressure at 40° AB/30° and 60° ER back to intact; whereas the double-layer AHDAT also decreased contact pressure at 20° AB/0° and 60° ER and 60° AB/30° ER (P ≥ 0.051 vs. intact). ConclusionBoth single- and double- layer grafts for AHDAT, improved superior translation, subacromial contact characteristics and acromiohumeral distance after a stage III rotator cuff tear, with varying effectiveness due to the position-dependent nature of greater tuberosity-to-acromial contact with abduction.

Outcomes of arthroscopic single-row repair alone vs. repair with human dermal allograft patch augmentation in patients with large to massive, posterosuperior rotator cuff tears: a retrospective comparative study

Large to massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs) affect shoulder functions profoundly with unmanageable disability without intervention. The retear rates with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) in these patients are abysmal. Patch augmentation has been credited for preventing retears, improving functions by increasing the strength, and acting as a bioconductive scaffold. This study aimed to assess the retear rates and compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between the ARCR with and without acellular human dermal allograft (HDA) augmentation. This is a retrospective comparative study among patients diagnosed with large to massive, posterosuperior RCTs, operated between January 2020 and December 2021, including 36 patients (group I) with and 131 patients (group II) without HDA augmentation, with a mean follow-up of 20 (range, 12-35) months. The average age was 64 (range, 49-80) and 66 (range, 41-81) years in groups I and II, respectively. In group I, there were 16 male and 20 female patients, whereas in group II, there were 58 male and 73 female patients. The visual analog scale score improved to 1.1±1.7 in group I and 2.1±1.7 in group II (P=.005). There was a greater improvement in the University of California, Los Angeles shoulder score to 30.1±4.2 in group I compared with 23.2±3.9 in group II (P=.046). Forward flexion (degrees) improved from a mean of 103.2 ± 18.6 to 138.9 ± 23.5 in group I and from 106.4 ± 21.3 to 127.0 ± 19.5 in group II (P=.004). The acromiohumeral interval (mm) measured in anteroposterior radiographs increased to 8.4±1.8 in group I and 8.2±2.0 in group II (P=.006). The satisfaction after the procedure was 4.4±0.6 in group I and 3.1±1.1 in group II (P=.044). The retear rate in the HDA-augmented group was 5.6% as compared with 29.1% in the nonaugmented group, which was statistically significant (P=.007). There were no complications or adverse tissue reactions against HDA seen in any patients. In patients with large to massive, posterosuperior RCTs, patch augmentation with acellular HDA significantly averted the retears after ARCR without any graft-related complications. The augmentation also resulted in improved shoulder function and greater range of motion compared with the nonaugmented group.

Scaffold- and graft-based biological augmentation of rotator cuff repair: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical and clinical studies for 2010-2022.

Despite advancements in the surgical techniques of rotator cuff repair (RCR), there remains a high retear rate. Biological augmentation of repairs with overlaying grafts and scaffolds may enhance healing and strengthen the repair construct. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of scaffold-based (nonstructural) and overlay graft-based (structural) biological augmentation in RCR (excluding superior capsule reconstruction and bridging techniques) in both preclinical and clinical studies. This systematic review was performed in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, as well as guidelines outlined by The Cochrane Collaboration. A search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from 2010 until 2022 was conducted to identify studies reporting the clinical, functional, and/or patient-reported outcomes of ≥1 biological augmentation method in either animal models or humans. The methodologic quality of included primary studies was appraised using the Checklist to Evaluate a Report of a Non-pharmacological Trial (CLEAR-NPT) for randomized controlled trials and using the Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) for nonrandomized studies. A total of 62 studies (Level I-IV evidence) were included, comprising 47 studies reporting outcomes in animal models and 15 clinical studies. Of the 47 animal-model studies, 41 (87.2%) demonstrated biomechanical and histologic enhancement with improved RCR load to failure, stiffness, and strength. Of the 15 clinical studies, 10 (66.7%) illustrated improvement in postoperative clinical, functional, and patient-reported outcomes (eg, retear rate, radiographic thickness and footprint, and patient functional scores). No study reported a significant detriment to repair with augmentation, and all studies endorsed low complication rates. A meta-analysis of pooled retear rates demonstrated significantly lower odds of retear after treatment with biological augmentation of RCR compared with treatment with non-augmented RCR (odds ratio, 0.28; P<.00001), with low heterogeneity (I2=0.11). Graft and scaffold augmentations have shown favorable results in both preclinical and clinical studies. Of the investigated clinical grafts and scaffolds, acellular human dermal allograft and bovine collagen demonstrate the most promising preliminary evidence in the graft and scaffold categories, respectively. With a low risk of bias, meta-analysis revealed that biological augmentation significantly lowered the odds of retear. Although further investigation is warranted, these findings suggest graft and scaffold biological augmentation of RCR to be safe.

Midterm outcome of superior capsular reconstruction using doubled acellular human dermal allograft for irreparable rotator cuff tear

Thicker (folded) facia lata autografts have been shown to be superior to thinner grafts and single-layered acellular human dermal (HD) allografts for superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) in biomechanical studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mid-term clinical outcomes following SCR for irreparable supraspinatus tears using doubled (folded) HD allograft. Thirty-two patients who had undergone SCR using doubled HD allograft between February 2012 through January 2020 were recruited in a continuous manner in this retrospective study. The inclusion criteria were SCR performed for irreparable supraspinatus tear and a minimum of two years follow-up. The primary outcome measure was the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. The secondary outcome measures were complications and revision surgery. A subgroup analysis was performed between patients who received a "Standard" graft of mean 3mm thickness or a "Thick" graft of mean 4.4mm thickness. One patient was lost to follow-up. A total of 31 patients (31 shoulder joints) were analyzed with mean follow-up duration of 48 months (range, 25-96 months). Following surgery, there was significant improvement in ASES score from 18.1 ± 14.3 (preoperative) to 76.3 ± 25.1 (postoperative) (P < 0.001) with a satisfactory clinical outcome obtained in 83.8% of the patients. In a subset of eight patients completing five-years follow-up, clinical improvements were sustained. The percentage of patients with a clinically successful outcome was higher with thick grafts compared to patients with standard grafts, although this failed to reach statistical significance (94.4% vs 69.2%, RR=1.36, 95%CI 0.93-1.99, P = 0.13). One patient within the standard group underwent revision surgery. SCR for irreparable rotator cuff tears with doubled HD allograft results in improved clinical outcomes and low reoperation at mid-term follow-up duration.

Arthroscopic Anterior Shoulder Capsular Reconstruction Using Human Acellular Dermal Graft in Conjunction With Anatomic Glenoid Reconstruction

Capsular insufficiency of the shoulder associated with glenoid bone loss poses a major challenge to orthopaedic surgeons in the management of recurrent anterior instability. Multiple surgical techniques have been described in the literature with varying rates of success, and the majority of these are open techniques. We present a complete arthroscopic technique for anterior capsular reconstruction using acellular human dermal allograft patch in conjunction to an anatomic glenoid reconstruction using a distal tibial allograft in the lateral decubitus position. If the capsular insufficiency is determined irreparable after glenoid reconstruction, the acellular human dermal graft patch is prepared, inserted into the shoulder joint, and appropriately fixed using suture anchors on both glenoid and humerus, all through arthroscopic portals.

Arthroscopic Biologic Tuberoplasty for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: An Expedited Technique

Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears in patients for whom arthroplasty is not an option can be a challenging clinical scenario for shoulder surgeons to manage. To achieve the best patient outcomes, a myriad of options has been presented in the literature, including debridement with biceps tenotomy or tenodesis, various tendon transfer procedures, superior capsular reconstruction, biceps tendon rerouting, bursal acromion resurfacing, balloon spacers, and tuberoplasty. While debridement with biceps tenotomy and superior capsular reconstruction have historically provided improvements in patient-reported outcomes, high rates of arthritis progression and failure of graft healing have been noted with these techniques, respectively. The superior capsular reconstruction has also proven to be technically challenging. The biologic tuberoplasty procedure was developed after several studies noted a lack of correlation between graft healing and improvement in patient-reported outcomes in superior capsular reconstructions, as long as the tuberosity remained covered with the graft. We present a technically efficient and expedited technique using an acellular human dermal allograft.

Human Acellular Dermal Allograft Patch on Traumatic Tympanic Membrane Perforation.

This study aimed to investigate the outcome of using the human acellular dermal allograft patch compared with the conven- tional paper patch in traumatic tympanic membrane perforation. This was a retrospective study including 41 patients (42 ears) treated with 22 human acellular dermal allografts and 20 paper patches for acute traumatic tympanic membrane perforation from April 2013 to June 2020. The procedure was performed by applying human acellular dermal allograft or paper patches after trimming of perforation margins under local anesthesia. Patient's age, sex, cause, duration, side, location, size of perforation, and the result of healing was analyzed. The audiologic or computed tomography data were also investigated when available. There was no significant difference in sex, age, affected side ratio, size and duration of perforation, recovery confirmation time, and audiogram results between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the size or duration of perforation between the success and failure groups. The human acellular dermal allograft and paper-patch groups showed no significant difference in the recovery confirmation time (70.7 ± 42.3 vs. 89.9 ± 119.4 days, P = .486) and recovery rate (95.5% vs. 85.0%, P = .333). However, the patch maintenance time of the human acellular dermal allograft group was statistically longer than the paper-patch group (32.9 ± 14.9 vs. 15.6 ± 19.9 days, P = .001). On multivariable regression analysis, patch material was the only parameter associated with patch maintenance time (P = .002). Treatment outcomes of traumatic tympanic membrane perforation using human acellular dermal allograft showed better or similar therapeutic efficacy compared to paper patch. The important advantage of this material is to stay in situ for a sufficient time without being detached until successful healing.

Interposition Technique for Septal Perforation Using a Composite Graft Made Up of Allograft Dermal Matrix and Autologous Cartilage

Background and Objectives Interposition using acellular allograft between perforated septal flaps is a popular procedure among surgeons because of its usefulness. However, allograft dermal matrix itself tends to become infected sometimes, and can easily undergo necrosis or be displaced from the implanted site. Here, the authors would like to introduce a newly devised interposition graft made up of allograft and cartilage, which is easy to manipulate and can be fixed in the desired position.Subjects and Method We performed a retrospective chart review from January 2018 to August 2020. A total of 12 patients with septal perforation who received surgical treatment were included in this study. Acellular human dermal allograft (MegaDerm® ; L&amp;C Bio) was used as an interposition allograft piled up by autologous cartilage, and it was positioned between the mucoperichondrial flaps via the endonasal approach.Results The most common etiology was previous septal surgery (n=8); in one case, the etiology was repeated electrocauterization due to frequent epistaxis; the etiology was not verified for three cases. All 12 cases achieved the result of complete septal perforation closure. All patients on follow-up inquiry reported marked improvements in the visual analogue scale score (mean value, 4.1 to 1) and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation scale (mean value, 7.3 to 1.8).Conclusion Composite graft made up of cartilage and allograft dermal matrix achieved successful results without having to fix the graft. It can be an alternative technique to treat septal perforation for inexperienced surgeons and with a limited operation field.

Primary versus revision arthroscopic bridging reconstruction using dermal allograft: a clinical and radiographic analysis (243)

Objectives:Large or massive rotator cuff tears make up between 10-40% of all rotator cuff tears, yet there is no agreement on the best treatment. Previous studies have shown that acellular human dermal allograft (AHDA) can be used for bridging reconstruction with positive patient outcomes. The use of this surgical technique has not been extensively studied in the primary or revision surgical setting. The main objective of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients who received primary or revision arthroscopic bridging reconstruction.Methods:This study is a retrospective review of a sequential series of patients who underwent arthroscopic bridging reconstruction (ABR) using AHDA by the primary author (IW). A total of 130 patients underwent ABR between 2010 and 2018. The inclusion criteria were patients with completed Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) questionnaire, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, or both pre-operatively and at multiple post-operative timepoints. Patients with missing WORC scores were excluded from the study. Eighty-three patients were included following chart review. Patients with available post-operative MRIs were also used for radiological assessment by an independent MSK-trained radiologist. Post-operative MRIs were reviewed to assess for graft integrity and changes to rotator cuff muscle atrophy (using the Warner classification) and fatty degeneration (using the Goutallier classification).Results:There were 46 patients who received primary ABR and 37 who received revision ABR. Forty-eight patients had a post-operative MRI available for review (Primary: 25; Revision: 23). The demographics are summarized in Table 1. Both groups showed a significant improvement in WORC score post-operatively (p<0.001). Primary ABR resulted in higher post-operative WORC scores as compared to revision ABR (p=0.015; Figure 1). The incidence of complete re-tears in the primary group was 8% and 17.4% in the revision group. More than 35% of patients in the primary group showed improvement in fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscles. There was a higher progression in muscle atrophy in the revision group as compared to the primary group (74% and 30%, respectively).Conclusions:Arthroscopic primary arthroscopic bridging reconstruction for large/massive rotator cuff tears using acellular human dermal allograft had better improvement in their WORC scores compared to revision group at the final follow-up. Although the revision group had improved at the two-year follow-up, these changes in WORC score were not sustained at the final follow-up while the improvements were maintained for the primary group. The primary group had a smaller re-tear rate, better fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy as compared to the revision group. This suggests that primary bridging reconstruction provides better outcomes than a revision surgery.

A Suture Anchor–Based Repair Plus Reconstruction Using Acellular Human Dermal Allograft for Recurrent Sports-Related Patellar Tendon Rupture

Recurrent traumatic patellar tendon rupture following early repair of a primary rupture is exceedingly rare; there is little technical literature on how to manage this potentially devastating injury. We describe here a suture anchor–based technique for revision repair augmented with an extensor reconstruction using acellular human dermal allograft.

Bursal Acromial Reconstruction (BAR) Using an Acellular Dermal Allograft as a Surgical Solution for the Treatment of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

Massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears in patients without severe signs of osteoarthritis remains a major challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. These can be a source of significant pain and functional loss occurring most commonly in a relatively frail, elderly patient population. A plethora of surgical techniques covering minimally invasive, arthroscopic techniques and open, salvage procedures have been described for this challenging patient cohort. Continuous evolvement of arthroscopic techniques has led to all-arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction techniques using allografts, thereby reducing donor side morbidity along with decreased soft tissue dissection. However, conventional superior capsular reconstruction is noted to be a technically complex, time-consuming, and high-cost surgery, which may put this technique beyond the confidence of many shoulder surgeons. The subacromial balloon spacer has emerged as a potential solution in these patients, providing interposition between the humeral head and acromion. However, the subacromial balloon biodegrades rapidly and its effect is only temporary. Thus this technique article presents using an acellular human dermal allograft to reconstruct the bursal layer, which is normally interposed between the humeral head and the acromion. The proposed technique provides a permanent interposition graft preventing humeral acromial contact, which does not undergo rapid biodegradation. The surgical technique is technically feasible, both minimizing surgical time and therefore operative risk to the patient.

Arthroscopic Repair of Rotator Cuff Tears by Human Dermal Allograft Reconstruction vs. Maximal Repair

To determine healing rate of rotator cuff reconstruction with an acellular human dermal allograft compared with the gold standard arthroscopic maximal rotator cuff repair of large, chronic tears of the rotator cuff. Thirty patients with a two-tendon chronic retracted rotator cuff tear were enrolled in the study and were randomly allocated (15) to each group. All the patients were evaluated for structural integrity of repair using a 1.5T MRI at an average of 15 months after surgery. Rotator cuff arthropathy (RCA) and acromio-humeral distance (AHD) were graded using X-rays. Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), Marx Activity Rating Scale (MARX) scores, range of motion (ROM) of shoulder were analyzed. The re-tear rate in the reconstruction group was 13% (2 of 15 patients) compared to 73% (11/15) in the repair group (p=0.008). Progression of RCA was seen in 7% (1/15) and 35.71% (5/15) of patients in the reconstruction and repair group, respectively (p=0.006). The change in AHD (preop-postop) was significantly higher in the repair (reduced by 2.27 mm) than the reconstruction group (increased by 0.1 mm) (P=0.006). Both groups had significant improvements in patient reported outcome scores. The reconstruction group had statistically significant better forward flexion (p= 0.01) and scapular plane abduction (p=0.03) compared to the repair group. Rotator cuff reconstruction with a dermal allograft demonstrated favorable structural healing rates and improved range of motion compared to maximal repair in the short term. Moreover, the maximal repair group were more likely to develop RCA than reconstruction.

Arthroscopic Repair of Rotator Cuff Tears by Human Dermal Allograft Reconstruction vs Maximal Repair

Objectives:To determine healing rate of rotator cuff reconstruction with an acellular human dermal allograft compared with the gold standard arthroscopic maximal rotator cuff repair of large, chronic tears of the rotator cuff.Methods:Thirty patients with a two-tendon chronic retracted rotator cuff tear were enrolled in the study and were randomly allocated (15) to each group. All the patients were evaluated for structural integrity of repair using a 1.5T MRI at an average of 15 months after surgery. Rotator cuff arthropathy (RCA) and acromio-humeral distance (AHD) were graded using X-rays. Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), Marx Activity Rating Scale (MARX) scores, range of motion (ROM) of shoulder were analyzed.Results:The re-tear rate in the reconstruction group was 13% (2 of 15 patients) compared to 73% (11/15) in the repair group (p=0.008). Progression of RCA was seen in 7% (1/15) and 35.71% (5/15) of patients in the reconstruction and repair group, respectively (p=0.006). The change in AHD (preop-postop) was significantly higher in the repair (reduced by 2.27 mm) than the reconstruction group (increased by 0.1 mm) (P=0.006). Both groups had significant improvements in patient reported outcome scores. The reconstruction group had statistically significant better forward flexion (p= 0.01) and scapular plane abduction (p=0.03) compared to the repair group.Conclusions:Rotator cuff reconstruction with a dermal allograft demonstrated favorable structural healing rates and improved range of motion compared to maximal repair in the short term. Moreover, the maximal repair group were more likely to develop RCA than reconstruction.Angle at which apprehension disappearsLess than 60 degrees(n = 55)60 degrees or more(n = 21)SignificanceCaton-Deschamps Index1.12 ± 0.121.19 ± 0.19P = 0.036Trochlear DysplasiaP < 0.001 None or Dejour A50 (91%)10 (48%) Dejour B, C, or D5 (9%)11 (52%)Sulcus Angle (degrees)156 ± 12168 ± 17P < 0.001Sulcus Depth (mm)2.5 ± 1.51.2 ± 1.7P = 0.002TT-TG Distance (mm)18.3 ± 7.324.6 ± 10.3P = 0.004

Anterior Capsule Augmentation and Posterior Glenohumeral Capsular Reconstruction With Human Dermal Allograft for Multidirectional Shoulder Instability

Recurrent multidirectional shoulder instability is a common clinical presentation in certain demographics and sporting groups. One such demographic is patients with connective tissue disorders (CTD) such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), in whom shoulder pathologies are exacerbated owing to ligamentous laxity. Features of this laxity can present as both anterior and posterior shoulder instability, which are problematic sources of shoulder pain. Many patients with these injuries require surgical anterior and/or posterior glenohumeral reconstruction. Surgical reconstruction for posterior capsular defects can be challenging and has higher failure rates compared with anterior capsular reconstruction methods. Management can be especially difficult for patients with CTDs, and there is a requirement for the development of novel surgical techniques. Human acellular dermal allografts have been found to be particularly useful for patients with CTDs compared with other methods that use the patient’s own tissue for the repair. This note and surgical video describe an all-arthroscopic technique for a combined anterior capsule augmentation and posterior glenohumeral capsular reconstruction, using a human acellular dermal allograft for EDS patients with multidirectional instability.

Clinical And MRI Outcomes After Arthroscopic Superior Capsule Reconstruction With Human Dermal Allograft For Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears A Minimum Two Year Follow-up

Objectives: Arthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) using acellular human dermal allograft (DA) is a recently developed procedure for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears to reduce pain and restore shoulder function. The purpose of this study was to report clinical and structural outcomes of patients who underwent SCR with DA for irreparable tears of the posterosuperior rotator cuff. We hypothesized that SCR using DA would result in significant improvements in clinical outcomes and that outcomes would be positively correlated with graft integrity. Methods: Patients who underwent SCR using DA for irreparable tears of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons and who were at least two years out from surgery were included. Patients reported clinical outcomes were assessed prospectively by the use of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) Score, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score, and patient satisfaction. Structurally, acromiohumeral distances (AHD) were assessed both pre- and postoperatively with standard radiographs. Integrity of the DA was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical failures were defined as persistent loss of function and/or pain. Complications were also recorded. Results: Twenty-one patients who underwent SCR with a mean age of 56 (range 41-65) had and a mean follow up of 2.1 years (range 2 - 3) were included. All postoperative outcome scores improved significantly: ASES score improved from 54.2 to 83.9 (p&lt;0.001), SANE score improved from 43.6 to 71.2 points (p&lt;0.001) and QuickDASH improved from 37.5 to 16.2 points (p=0.002). Median satisfaction of all patients was 9 (range 1-10). Complete radiographs were obtained in 18/21 (85.7%) of patients and showed a significant increase of the mean AHD from 7.0 mm to 8.3 mm, pre- to postoperatively (p=0.029). Postoperative MRI’s were obtained in 95% (20/21) of the patients and showed a graft integrity rate of 50% (10/20). There were no significant differences in clinical outcome scores (p=0.214) comparing patients with intact grafts to patients with torn grafts. The AHD increased significantly from pre- to postoperatively in patients with intact grafts (p=0.003), while it didn’t increase significantly for those with a torn graft (p=0.432). There was one clinical failure in one patient who achieved no functional improvement who later underwent revision SCR and ended up with a successful clinical outcome. No postoperative complications occurred. Conclusion: SCR using DA for irreparable tears of the rotator cuff improves clinical outcomes with high patient satisfaction and low complication rates at short-term follow-up. Interestingly, intact grafts, although correlated with improved AHD, had no positive effects on clinical outcomes at final follow-up.

Healing Rates of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears between Allograft Reconstruction vs. Maximal Repair: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

To determine healing rate of rotator cuff reconstruction with an acellular human dermal allograft compared with the gold standard arthroscopic maximal rotator cuff repair of large, chronic tears of the rotator cuff.

Use of Meshed Acellular Dermal Allograft as a Lining Material After Orbital Exenteration.

To evaluate the surgical outcome and safety of acellular human dermal allograft as a new lining material to the exposed orbit after exenteration. Retrospective case series of patients who underwent orbital exenteration followed by reconstruction with meshed-type acellular dermal allograft from 2009 to 2018 in a single tertiary institution. There were 14 eyes (2 right, 12 left) of 14 patients (6 men, 8 women). Mean age at operation was 69.1 ± 16.5 years. Indication for surgery was malignancy in all patients. One patient underwent subtotal exenteration, while the rest underwent total exenteration. SureDerm Meshed was used in 12 patients, AlloDerm Meshed in 1, and CGDerm Meshed in 1. Mean follow-up period was 12.1 months. Full or nearly full epithelialization occurred in 10 of 14 patients (71.4%) at 1 month and 9 of 12 patients (75.0%) at 3 months. There was delayed epithelialization in 3 patients due to poor wound care (n = 1), adjuvant radiotherapy (n = 1), and adjuvant radiotherapy followed by cerebrospinal fluid leak (n = 1). Meshed acellular human dermal allograft showed good success in reconstruction after orbital exenteration and may be considered as an alternative lining material to split-thickness skin graft after orbital exenteration.

Surgical Treatment of Gluteus Medius Tears Augmented With Allograft Human Dermis

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome can be caused by gluteus medius and minimus tendinopathy/tears and chronic trochanteric bursitis. Specifically, moderate-to-severe abductor tendon tears can cause severe lateral hip pain, limp, and abnormal gait. A variety of open and endoscopic techniques to treat glut abductors hip tears have been described. The use of scaffolds, such as acellular human dermal allograft, to augment tendon repair, already has been successfully reported in rotator cuff repairs of the shoulder. Still, the use of acellular human dermal allograft in the hip has been limited. However, there are some clinical scenarios in which augmentation of abductors hip tendon repair with scaffold is indicated. Chronic or massive gluteus tears or revision cases may benefit from augmentation with a scaffold. The purpose of this technical note and accompanying video is to describe our indications, pearls, and pitfalls of repair of moderate to severe gluteus tears via a minimally invasive technique augmented with acellular human dermal allograft.

Healing Rates of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears by Allograft Reconstruction vs Maximal Repair - A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: To determine the healing rate of rotator cuff reconstruction with an acellular human dermal allograft compared with the current gold standard arthroscopic maximal rotator cuff repair of large, chronic tears of the rotator cuff. Methods: Thirty patients with a two-tendon chronic retracted rotator cuff tear were enrolled in the study and were randomly allocated (15) to each group. All the patients were evaluated for structural integrity of repair using a 1.5 T MRI at an average of 15 months after surgery. Rotator cuff arthropathy (RCA) and acromio-humeral distance (AHD) were graded using X-rays. WORC, DASH, MARX scores, range of motion (ROM) of shoulder were also analyzed. Results: The re-tear rate in reconstruction group was 13% (2 of 15 patients) compared to 67%(10/15) in repair group (p=0.008). Progression of RCA was seen in 7.14%(1/14) and 35.71%(4/14) of patients in reconstruction and repair group; respectively (p=0.006). The change in AHD (preop-postop) was significantly higher in repair (reduced by 2.27 mm) than the reconstruction group (increased by 0.1 mm) (P=0.006). Both groups had significant improvements in patient reported outcome scores. Reconstruction group had statistically significant better forward flexion (p= 0.01) and scapular plane abduction (p=0.03) compared to repair. Conclusion: Rotator cuff reconstruction with a dermal allograft demonstrated favourable structural healing rates and improved range of motion compared to maximal repair in the short term. Moreover, those in the maximal repair group were more likely to develop RCA compared to reconstruction.