Treatment Of Rotator Cuff Tears Research Articles

Design and Mechanical Evaluation of Sutureless Implants for the Surgery Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears.

Rotator cuff (RC) tears cause pain and functional disability of the shoulder. Despite advances in suture anchors, there are still reports about the incidence of surgical-related injuries to RC mainly associated with sutures. The purpose of this study was to design and evaluate the mechanical behavior of sutureless implants to repair RC tears. We hypothesized that the implants present mechanical characteristics suitable for the surgical treatment of RC tears as suture anchors. Three different implants (T1, T2, T3) were designed and fabricated with titanium: T1 has two rods and rectangular head; T2 has two rods with a small opening and enlarged rectangular head; and T3 has three rods and a circular head. The implants were fixed in rigid polyurethane foam blocks by a series of blows, and the applied mechanical loads along with the number of blows were quantified. Pullout tests using tapes fixed between the implant head and testing machine grip were conducted until implant failure. The maximum pullout strength and displacement of the implant relative to the rigid foam block were computed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Owing to its geometric configuration, implant T2 presented the best characteristics related to stability, strength, and ease of insertion. Implant T2 confirms our hypothesis that its mechanical behavior is compatible with that of suture anchors, which could lead to the reduction of RC repair failures and simplify the arthroscopic procedure.

Increased acromiohumeral distance in a double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery compared to a single-row surgery after 12 months

BackgroundArthroscopic rotator cuff surgery is an effective treatment for rotator cuff tears with the considered use of double-row repair techniques becoming popular in the last decade. We aim to compare the effects of double- and single-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs (ARCR) on repair integrity (RI) and acromiohumeral distance (AHD).MethodsIn this observational study, we retrospectively identified 98 patients with degenerative rotator cuff tear treated with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between 2016 and 2019. We excluded 22 patients with partial-thickness tears, 15 with associated subscapularis or SLAP tears, 13 with massive tears, and 5 patients lost to follow-up; we included 43 patients who had ARCR for full-thickness cuff tear and clinical, radiologic follow-up. Of these 43 patients, 23 are grouped as double-row repair group (DRG) and 20 as single-row repair group (SRG). A minimum of 12 months after the surgery, bilateral shoulder MRIs were obtained. Contralateral shoulders without asymptomatic rotator cuff tears served as a control group (CG). The operating surgeon and two other surgeons experienced in arthroscopy blindly measured the AHD and determined the RI at the control MRIs in all groups. Functional assessments relied on UCLA and qDASH Scores.ResultsThe mean age was 57.89 (45–78) years, and the mean follow-up time was 28,65 (21–43) months. The mean AHD of the CG was 9.7 ± 0.96 mm, the preoperative AHD of DRG was 8.62 ± 1.45 mm, and SRG was 9.71 ± 0.95 mm. The postoperative mean AHD of DRG 9.61 ± 1.83 mm and SRG was 10.21 ± 1.97 mm. AHD differences between the preoperative and postoperative groups were significant (P=0.009). The increase of the AHD in the double-row group was significantly higher than the single-row group (P=0.004). There was a high correlation between the RI and DASH scores (P=0.005). RI did not correlate with the repair method (P=0.580).ConclusionAlthough double-row repairs can maintain greater AHD than single-row repairs in the clinical setting, this difference did not affect functional results. Regardless of the surgical intervention, functional results are favourable if RI is achieved.Level of evidenceLevel III, Retrospective Cohort Study

Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears with platelet rich plasma: a prospective study with 2 year follow\u2010up

BackgroundSurgical treatment of full-thickness rotator cuff (RC) tears is associated with generally good results. There is no consensus regarding treatment of partial thickness tears that fail conservative treatment. The purpose of this study was to look at the efficacy and confirm the safety of dual injection PRP into the shoulder of patients with rotator cuff pathology who have failed conservative treatment with followup to two years.MethodsSeventy-one shoulders with MRI confirmed, rotator cuff pathology who failed conservative treatment, had dual PRP injection into the rotator cuff. Global improvement, Quick DASH and VAS scores were collected at 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment and comparison of means was used to analyze changes.ResultsNo adverse events were seen in any patient. Based on global rating scores positive results were seen in 77.9 % of patients at 6 months, 71.6 % at 1 year, and 68.8 % of patients at 2 years. Mean VAS scores improved from 50.2 [CI 44.4–56.0] pre-injection to 26.2 [CI 19.5–32.9] at 6 months, 22.4[CI 16.1–28.7] at 1 year and 18.2 [CI 12.3–24.1] at 2 years (p < 0.0001 for all). The mean Q- DASH scores (0-100, 100 worse) improved from 39.2 [CI 34.3–44.1] for all patients before treatment to 20.7[CI 15.0-26.4] at 6 months, 18.0[CI 12.9–23.1] at 1 year, and 13.8 [CI 8.4–18.8] at 2 years (p < 0.0001 for all). No patient with partial tear had clinical evidence of progression to full thickness tear. When separated into subgroups based on rotator cuff status, all subgroups showed improvement. Patients in the > 50 % partial tear group had the best overall improvement based on Global Rating scores while those in the tendinitis group had the poorest outcomes.ConclusionsPRP injection is a safe and effective treatment for RC cuff injury in patients who have failed conservative treatment of activity modification and physical therapy without deterioration of results two years after treatment. Better results are obtained with greater structural tendon damage than in shoulders with inflammation without structural damage.Trial registrationThis is not a clinical trial.

Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Using Double-Row Transosseous Fixation Material in Advanced Age Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears

Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Using Double-Row Transosseous Fixation Material in Advanced Age Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears

State medical malpractice laws and utilization of surgical treatment for rotator cuff tear and proximal humerus fracture: an observational cohort study

BackgroundHow much does the medical malpractice system affect treatment decisions in orthopaedics? To further this inquiry, we sought to assess whether malpractice liability is associated with differences in surgery rates among elderly orthopaedic patients.MethodsMedicare data were obtained for patients with a rotator cuff tear or proximal humerus fracture in 2011. Multivariate regressions were used to assess whether the probability of surgery is associated with various state-level rules that increase or decrease malpractice liability risks.ResultsStudy results indicate that lower liability is associated with higher surgery rates. States with joint and several liability, caps on punitive damages, and punitive evidence rule had surgery rates that were respectively 5%-, 1%-, and 1%-point higher for rotator cuff tears, and 2%-, 2%- and 1%-point higher for proximal humerus fractures. Conversely, greater liability is associated with lower surgery rates, respectively 6%- and 9%-points lower for rotator cuff patients in states with comparative negligence and pure comparative negligence.ConclusionsMedical malpractice liability is associated with orthopaedic treatment choices. Future research should investigate whether treatment differences result in health outcome changes to assess the costs and benefits of the medical liability system.

Cervical intervertebral disc denervation during rotator cuff tendon plasty

Objective. To analyze the effect of denervation of intervertebral discs in the cervical spine on the results of surgical treatment of patients with injuries to rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder joint.Material and Methods. Study design: descriptive hypothesis-generating study. The study included patients requiring surgical treatment of rotator cuff tear. Two groups were identified: Group A included 28 patients who underwent plastic repair of rotator cuff tear with additional denervation of intervertebral discs, and Group B – 30 patients who underwent only plastic surgery for rotator cuff tear. The intensity of pain according to the VAS, functional activity due to neck pain (NDI), functionality of the shoulder joint (UCLA), and the degree of intervertebral disc degeneration according to MRI were assessed, and the effectiveness of treatment was determined. Statistical calculations were performed using the RStudio program.Results. In the group of patients with denervation of intervertebral discs, a more pronounced decrease in the intensity of pain syndrome at 3, 6, and 12 months (p &lt; 0.001; p &lt; 0.001; and p = 0.002), a more proportion of effectively treated patients at 3 months (p = 0.003), and significant increase in functional activity according to NDI at 3, 6 and 12 months of follow-up period (p &lt; 0.001; p = 0.010; and p = 0.045) were observed.Conclusions. There is an underestimation of the role of degenerative cervical spine pathology in the occurrence of shoulder joint pain. In the case of rotation cuff plasty the additional denervation reduces the intensity of pain syndrome in the shoulder joint in the postoperative period.

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Advancements in Techniques and Technology

Abstract The surgical treatment of rotator cuff tear, thanking to the advancement in technology and technique, has evolved during time. The tendon healing process is strictly correlated to the existing techniques of suturing, and to biological and mechanical factor. The aim of this paper is to update the advancements in techniques and technology for rotator cuff repair and propose an algorithm for rotator cuff fixation based on tissue quality and tear configuration. In conclusion, now a days, is possible to affirm that doesn't exist anymore an irreparable rotator cuff tear, but exist rotator cuff tear that are unable to heal. In the next future the main topic of the research has to be the improvement of the biology.

Enhancement of External Rotation after Latissimus Dorsi Tendon Transfer (LDTT): A Cadaveric Study

Background and objectives: Massive rotator cuff tears compromise shoulder mobility function and cannot be directly repaired. Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) is a therapeutic alternative suitable for the treatment of rotator cuff tears that helps to restore external shoulder rotation. Cadaver models have been used for studying the effects of LDTT and procedural variations, but, to the best of our knowledge, none of them have been validated. The aim of our study was to validate a novel cadaver model while verifying the effects of LDTT on external rotation. Materials and Methods: Two groups were included in the study: a cadaver group and a control group made up of healthy volunteers, which were used for the validation of the cadaver model. Baseline external rotation measurements were performed with both groups, after which a massive rotator cuff tear was inflicted and repaired with LDTT in the cadaver group. Their postoperative external rotation was evaluated using three different tests. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the baseline measurements of the two groups, and postoperative external rotation was significantly higher after LDTT in all cases but one. Conclusions: Cadaver models were validated, since they had a similar preoperative external rotation to healthy volunteers. Moreover, they allowed us to demonstrate the effect of LDTT on external shoulder rotation.

Early Experience of Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in a Public Hospital in Malaysia.

Introduction:Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty provides a surgical alternative to standard total shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of cuff tear arthropathy, arthritis and fracture sequelae. This study aimed to assess the short-term outcomes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for patients in a large public hospital in Malaysia.Materials and Methods:We identified and performed five primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasties between 1 May 2019 and 1 June 2020. All patients were contactable and available for analysis. Assessment of functional outcomes was performed using the Constant-Murley score, the patient satisfaction score (PSS), and imaging studies. The mean follow-up from operation to the time of reporting was 9.6 months (range, 3 to 14 months)Results:The median age for our patients was 58 years (±11.91). The most common indication for surgery was post-traumatic arthritis, followed by rotator cuff arthropathy and osteoarthritis. The mean Constant score improved from 9.0 pre-operatively to 52.3 post-operatively at a mean of 9.6 months. The majority of the patients were satisfied with the surgery as the post-operative range of motion, especially anterior elevation and abduction, improved in four of our patients and there were no short-term complications, for example, of infection or revisions, reported at the last follow-up.Conclusion:This study has shown that reverse total shoulder arthroplasty can yield good short-term outcomes for the treatment of complex shoulder problems in addition to cuff tear arthropathy. It should be considered a treatment for rotator cuff tears, severe arthritis and ≥ 3 parts proximal humeral fractures.

Effect of Acromioplasty on Postoperative Pain Following Rotator Cuff Repair.

Background: The surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears traditionally involves rotator cuff repair (RCR) with concomitant acromioplasty. However, there is some doubt as to whether acromioplasty is of value to this procedure. Questions/Purpose: We sought to evaluate whether RCR with acromioplasty provided better outcomes than RCR without acromioplasty in a cohort of more than 1000 patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved 1320 patients with rotator cuff tears who subsequently received a primary arthroscopic RCR, with acromioplasty (n = 160) or without acromioplasty (n = 1160), performed by a single surgeon. Acromioplasty was performed if there was significant mechanical impingement on the rotator cuff. To assess outcomes, all patients completed a standardized, modified L'Insalata questionnaire in which they reported the level and severity of pain at rest and during activities. An examiner assessed shoulder strength and range of motion before and 1 week, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 6 months after surgery. Results: Patients who had RCR with concurrent acromioplasty had a greater level of pain and more frequent pain 1 week after surgery. However, at 6 months there were no differences between patients who underwent RCR with or without acromioplasty in any patient-reported outcome (level of pain with overhead activity, at rest and during sleep; frequency of pain with activity, sleep and extreme pain, difficulty of activity overhead and behind back, level of shoulder stiffness; and overall shoulder satisfaction). The postoperative re-tear rate in both groups was 13%. Conclusion: This study showed no additional benefit to acromioplasty in patients undergoing RCR.

Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears in the Throwing Athlete

Throwing athletes offer a unique challenge as the line between adaptive and pathologic is often blurred and the presence of an abnormality on imaging may not directly indicate the reason for discomfort. Furthermore, as a thrower progresses through their career, there is a higher incidence of abnormalities on advanced imaging, including rotator cuff tears. As such, a detailed history and physical exam are paramount in this population. Factors such as size of tear, chronicity of tear or pain, degree of pain, patient age, level of play, and position should all be considered during management. The initial treatment is usually dictated by the rotator cuff pathology. Nonoperative management is the mainstay of treatment of rotator cuff tears but depends largely on degree of pathology and concomitant findings. Symptoms that remain recalcitrant or recur despite 3 months or more may be indicated for operative management. Careful arthroscopic debridement to remove nonviable, unstable tissue will facilitate an accurate assessment of tear size if a tear is encountered. Generally, tear size has been utilized by surgeons deciding between debridement alone and repair. Articular-sided partial tears with an intact bursal surface may be candidates for a transtendinous approach, whereas bursal-sided partial tears are often completed for repair. Full thickness rotator cuff tears are best treated with standard rotator cuff repair techniques. While results of arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears in the general population have been favorable, there is substantially less volume and consistency in the literature in the elite throwing population.

Impact of Body Mass Index on the Accuracy of Physical Examination and MRI of the Shoulder.

Background:The physical examination of overweight patients can require specific adaptations. Orthopaedic literature on the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the physical examination of the shoulder is virtually nonexistent.Purpose:To assess whether BMI affects the sensitivity and specificity of common shoulder tests, using arthroscopy as a gold standard. We also examined the effects of BMI on the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the shoulder for reference.Study Design:Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2.Methods:We analyzed the data of 116 consecutive patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy for the treatment of rotator cuff tears, Bankart lesions, and superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions. Preoperative BMI, physical examination of the shoulder findings, and MRI findings were extracted. Contingency tables and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of provocative tests of the shoulder and MRI as well as their relationship to BMI.Results:The sensitivity and specificity of the Jobe supraspinatus test were 77.8% and 72.7% in patients with BMI ≤25, 82.6% and 70.6% in those with 25 < BMI ≤ 30, and 81.3% and 55.6% in those with BMI >30, respectively (P < .001). The apprehension and relocation tests demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity for the overweight patients (25 < BMI ≤ 30) compared with the other BMI groups, with a sensitivity and specificity of 83.3% and 100% for the apprehension test and a sensitivity and specificity of 75% and 100% for the relocation test, respectively. The O’Brien, Speed, and Ebinger tests for SLAP tears had low accuracy and did not yield statistically significant results. MRI interpretation was found to be influenced by BMI in obese patients, especially when SLAP lesions were assessed.Conclusion:Counterintuitively, tests for shoulder instability had greater specificity in overweight patients and should be encouraged, particularly in obese patients, in whom the specificity of shoulder MRI for the detection of a Bankart lesion is lower. The Jobe test was more sensitive but less specific in overweight patients. These findings may assist care providers in improving the interpretation of the shoulder examination of overweight patients and consequently lead to better treatment-related decisions.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of arthroscopic surgery versus open surgery in rotator cuff repair

Objective: This study aimed to compare the open and arthroscopic rotator cuff tear treatment methods in terms of cost-effectiveness. Patients and Methods: TThis study includes a prospective method of a total of 104 patients, 52 with open surgery and 52 with arthroscopic surgery, in the treatment of rotator cuff tears. Cost calculations of the treatment methods were obtained from patient invoices. Oxford Shoulder Score and Short Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire were used for effectiveness calculations. The costeffectiveness comparison was conducted using the Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) assessment. The difference between costs of open and arthroscopic surgery was analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 package program. with Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The average cost per patient was 4,838.7 Turkish Liras (TL) (866.22 USD) in open surgery and 5,770.33 TL (1,033.00 USD) according to the exchange rate at the time of writing, in arthroscopic surgery. Oxford Shoulder Score was 21.15 in open surgery and 20.83 in arthroscopic surgery. Short Form-36 Health Survey Questionnaire score was 61.92 in open surgery and 63.17 in arthroscopic surgery. The ICER calculated according to the Oxford Shoulder Score was – 2,912.37 TL (521,37 USD), while the ICER calculated according to the General Health Perception sub-scale of Short Form-36 was 745.57 TL (133,47 USD). In addition, statistical significant difference was found between the surgery, medication, medical and surgical materials, hospitalization and average cost of those treated with open surgery and those treated with arthroscopic surgery (p&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference between the efficacy scores of the treatment groups. However, there was statistically significant difference between costs of the treatment groups.

Protocol for a Retrospective Comparative Study to Determine the Effect of Two Different Biocomposite Suture Anchors on the Occurrence of Bony Ingrowth and Implant Reabsorption Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

Introduction:Surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears commonly entails reattachment of the ruptured tendon to its bony insertion using suture anchors. Suture anchor design has evolved from solid metal anchors to vented biocomposite anchors with potentially biologic consequences. Few studies have investigated the differences between different modern anchor design and materials, making it difficult to justify their use or cost.Objective:To compare the rate of bony ingrowth and implant resorption between a coil-type open-architecture biocomposite suture anchor and a vented screw-type biocomposite suture anchor, used for arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair.Methods and analysis:In this retrospective comparative study, a consecutive series of patients who undergo a double row rotator cuff repair using a coil-type open architecture biocomposite suture anchor in the medial row and a vented screw-type biocomposite suture anchor in the lateral row will be included. A sample size calculation demonstrated that 16 participants are required in each group. Primary outcome measures will be bony ingrowth and reabsorption of the suture anchor as measured on computed tomography (CT). Secondary outcomes will include patient reported outcome measures (The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score and The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff questionnaire), range of motion, postoperative tendon integrity, and cyst formation.HighlightsOpen-architecture suture anchors facilitate the release of marrow constituents.The rate of bony ingrowth for coil- and screw-type anchors will be assessed.The difference in functional outcome between the two anchors will be assessed.

Role of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection in treatment of rotator cuff tear

BackgroundOne of the commonest causes of shoulder pain and disability is partial thickness tear of the rotator cuff. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a volume of the plasma fraction of autologous blood that has platelet concentration above the baseline. It is theorized that PRP may help stimulate the development of normal-appearing histologic tissue characteristics at the repair site and improve clinical outcomes. Our purpose is to assess the efficacy of PRP therapy in treatment of rotator cuff tear. This prospective single-center study involved 30 patients (aged 31.7 ± 7.7 years, 63.3% males) complaining of symptomatic rotator cuff tear. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection was done to all patients. Before and after injection of PRP, scoring was done using visual analog score, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and musculoskeletal ultrasound scoring of the tear. Reassessment was done 4 weeks after the injections.ResultsThe pre-injection VAS pain score was 7.1 ± 0.99 after injection, and it became 3.7 ± 1.09. Also, SPADI score decreased from 78.03 ± 8.25 pre-injection to 42.1 ± 13.97 post-injection. There was a highly statistically significant difference in VAS pain score and SPADI score before and after PRP injection (p < 0.001). There was highly statistically significant positive correlation between the improvement of US grading score change and the improvement of VAS score change, and between it and SPADI improvement change (r = 0.695, p < 0.001 and r = 0.693, p < 0.001, respectively). There was a highly statistically significant difference between US grading score before and after PRP injection (p < 0.001).ConclusionPRP can be considered an effective method for treatment of rotator cuff tear and less invasive compared to surgical treatment. It improves the pain, shoulder function, and tear size.

Engineered Cell Sheets for the Effective Delivery of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells for Tendon-to-Bone Healing

Background: Efforts are being made to treat rotator cuff tears (RCTs) that exhibit poor healing and high retear rates. Tendon-to-bone healing using mesenchymal stem cells is being explored, but research is needed to establish effective delivery options. Purpose: To evaluate the effects of an adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) sheet on mesenchymal stem cell delivery for tendon-to-bone healing of a chronic RCT in rats and to demonstrate that ADSC sheets enhance tendon-to-bone healing. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Mesenchymal stem cells were obtained from rat adipose tissue, and a cell sheet was prepared using a temperature-responsive dish. To evaluate the efficacy of stem cells produced in a sheet for the lesion, the experiment was conducted with 3 groups: repair group, cell sheet transplantation after repair group, and cell sheet–only group. Histological, biomechanical, and micro–computed tomography (micro-CT) results were compared among the groups. Results: Hematoxylin and eosin staining for histomorphological analysis revealed that the cell sheet transplantation after repair group (5.75 ± 0.95) showed statistically significant higher scores than the repair (2.75 ± 0.50) and cell sheet–only (3.25 ± 0.50) groups (P < .001). On safranin O staining, the cell sheet transplantation after repair group (0.51 ± 0.04 mm2) had a larger fibrocartilage area than the repair (0.31 ± 0.06 mm2) and cell sheet–only (0.32 ± 0.03 mm2) groups (P = .001). On micro-CT, bone volume/total volume values were significantly higher in the cell sheet transplantation after repair group (23.98% ± 1.75%) than in the other groups (P < .039); there was no significant difference in the other values. On the biomechanical test, the cell sheet transplantation after repair group (4 weeks after repair) showed significantly higher results than the other groups (P < .005). Conclusion: Our study shows that engineered stem cells are a clinically feasible stem cell delivery tool for rotator cuff repair. Clinical Relevance: This laboratory study provides evidence that ADSCs are effective in repairing RCTs, which are common sports injuries.

The 2-Scope Technique for Rotator Cuff Surgery: Are 2 Scopes Better Than 1?

The arthroscopic treatment of rotator cuff tear involves 2 distinct phases: intra-articular and subacromial. We present the 2-scope technique with the aim to simultaneously perform these phases, entrusting them to 2 experienced surgeons, and to obtain possible benefits compared with the classic 1-scope technique. Better nosology of the lesion and a more accurate evaluation of suture passer action (equidistance of the sutures and avoidance of degenerated articular-side tendon areas) represent benefits of this technique. In contrast, the 2-scope technique needs an additional lateral portal and could give rise to an erroneous distribution of costs and surgeons.

Biomechanical comparison between single-row with triple-loaded suture anchor and suture-bridge double-row rotator cuff repair

BackgroundNumerous biomechanical and clinical studies comparing different techniques for rotator cuff repair have been reported, yet universal consensus regarding the superior technique has not achieved. A medially-based single-row with triple-loaded suture anchor (also referred to as the Southern California Orthopedic Institute [SCOI] row) and a suture-bridge double-row (SB-DR) with Push-Locks have been shown to result in comparable improvement in treating rotator cuff tear, yet the biomechanical difference is unknown. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether a SCOI row repair had comparable initial biomechanical properties to a SB-DR repair.MethodsSix matched pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders with full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears we created were included. Two different repairs were performed for each pair (SCOI row and SB-DR methods). Specimens were mounted on a material testing machine to undergo cyclic loading, which was cycled from 10 to 100 N at 1 Hz for 500 cycles. Construct gap formation was recorded at an interval of 50 cycles. Samples were then loaded to failure and modes of failure were recorded. Repeated-measures analysis of variance and pair-t test were used for statistical analyses.ResultsThe construct gap formation did not differ between SCOI row and SB-DR repairs (P = 0.056). The last gap displacement was 1.93 ± 0.37 mm for SCOI row repair, and 1.49 ± 0.55 mm for SB-DR repair. The tensile load for 5 mm of elongation and ultimate failure were higher for SCOI row repair compared to SB-DR repair (P = 0.011 and 0.028, respectively). The ultimate failure load was 326.34 ± 11.52 N in the SCOI row group, and 299.82 ± 27.27 N in the SB-DR group. Rotator cuff repair with the SCOI row method failed primarily at the suture- tendon interface, whereas pullout of the lateral row anchors was the primary mechanism of failure for repair with the SB-DR method.ConclusionRotator cuff repair with the SCOI row method has superior biomechanical properties when compared with the SB-DR method. Therefore, SCOI row repair using a medially-based single-row technique with triple-loaded suture anchor is recommended to improve the initial strength in treating full-thickness rotator cuff tears.

Tendon Cells Derived From The Long Head Of The Biceps And The Supraspinatus Tendons Of Patients Affected By Rotator Cuff Tears Show Different Expression Of Inflammatory Markers

ABSTRACT Aim of the study Tendons are exposed to mechanical stress constantly during movements and thus they are frequently subjected to injuries. Rotator cuff tears are common musculoskeletal disorders, mainly involving the supraspinatus tendon. The characterization of the tenocytes derived from this tendon and the comparison to cells isolated from the long head of the biceps tendon obtained from donors affected by rotator cuff disease may improve the knowledge of the cellular mechanisms involved in the initiation and progression of the pathology. Thus, the aim of the present study was to characterize and compare donor-matched human tendon cells (TCs) isolated from the long head of the biceps (LHB-TCs) and the supraspinatus tendons (SSP-TCs) of patients affected by rotator cuff tears. Methods donor-matched LHB-TCs and SSP-TCs were isolated and cultured up to passage 3. Phenotypic appearance, metabolic activity, DNA content, production of soluble mediators (IL-1Ra, IL-1β, IL-6, and VEGF) and gene expression of tendon markers (SCX, COL1A1, COL3A1), inflammatory (PTGS2), and catabolic enzymes (MMP-1, MMP-3) were evaluated. Results LHB-TCs showed an elongated fibroblast-like shape, while SSP-TCs appeared irregular with jagged membrane. SSP-TCs gene expression revealed an augmented production of PTGS2, a marker of inflammation, whereas they produced a reduced amount of IL-6, in respect to LHB-TCs. Conclusion SSP-TCs showed higher cellular stress and expression of inflammatory markers with respect to donor-matched LHB-TCs, suggesting that addressing the physio-pathological state of supraspinatus tendon cells during treatment of rotator cuff tears could favor tissue healing and possibly prevent relapses.

Arthroscopic repair of posterosuperior rotator cuff tears with bioabsorbable patch augmentation: a magnetic resonance–controlled case series with 1-year follow-up

BackgroundAmong many advances in the treatment of rotator cuff tears, arthroscopic augmentation techniques with patches of various biological and synthetic graft materials have been introduced to reinforce the repair. However, structural and functional outcomes after patch augmentation vary, and reinforcing the tendon healing remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiologic outcomes 1 year after arthroscopic posterosuperior (PS) rotator cuff repair with bioabsorbable patch augmentation.MethodsFrom October 2014 to December 2017, all patients with PS rotator cuff tears undergoing arthroscopic repair with patch augmentation using a resorbable, biologically derived poly-4-hydroxybutyrate patch (Biofiber; Wright, Memphis, TN, USA) were enrolled in this study. Only full-thickness PS lesions with ≥1 of the following tear patterns were augmented with a patch and were the subject of this study: large U- and L-shaped tear, transtendinous tear, delamination, and fraying of the bursal layer. Patients were examined preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively with a standardized examination protocol and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).ResultsSixteen patients were included in this study; 1 patient was lost to follow-up. One patient only underwent clinical follow-up. We detected 1 repair failure (6.7%) with dislocation of the lateral-row anchors on computed tomography scanning at 3 months postoperatively. MRI was performed in 14 patients after 1 year; in all of them, the cuff repair was intact. The Sugaya tendon integrity score was 1.7 ± 0.9. The Constant-Murley score improved from 44 to 89 points (P < .001). Muscular strength improved in the supraspinatus (from 2.6 to 4.8), infraspinatus (from 3.2 to 4.9), and subscapularis (from 4 to 4.9) (all P < .001). Overall, patient satisfaction was high (3.6 ± 0.6).DiscussionThis small-sized case series is the first to prospectively assess clinical and radiologic outcomes after patch augmentation of PS rotator cuff tears using bioabsorbable poly-4-hydroxybutyrate patches. Good to excellent structural and functional outcomes were observed with a low retear rate (6.7%) and good tendon integrity on 1-year postoperative MRI, and the graft did not cause any complications. The use of bioabsorbable patches could be beneficial when unfavorable PS tear patterns are encountered in which a stable repair of the full tendon thickness at its insertion is otherwise difficult to reach.