Treatment Of Rotator Cuff Tears Research Articles

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.

Functional outcome of patients undergoing open rotator cuff repair

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Rotator cuff tears are a common source of shoulder pain. The incidence of rotator cuff damage increases with age and is most frequently due to degeneration of the tendon rather than injury from sports or trauma. Rotator cuff tear can be treated arthroscopically, arthroscopically assisted (mini-open) or by an open procedure. Because of the technical demands of arthroscopic repair many surgeons consider open repair for the treatment of rotator cuff tears. This study was done to evaluate the functional outcome of shoulder after open rotator cuff repair.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; 26 patients with partial and complete rotator cuff tears underwent open rotator cuff repair and acromioplasty. Cases were followed up at 3 months and 6 months intervals and shoulder function was assessed using Constant-Murley scoring system and compared with the preoperative scores and analyzed using SPSS software.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Mean preoperative constant score was 33.95±7.545 while the mean constant score at 6 months post-surgery was 79.83±8.51 which was highly significant according to paired t test. The difference between preoperative, 3 months and 6 months constant scores of complete and partial tear patients was found to be statistically significant.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; There was highly significant increase in Constant-Murley score after 6 months in patients treated by open rotator cuff repair. Open repair still stands as an effective treatment for rotator cuff tears and doing acromioplasty during the procedure adds to better outcome after surgery.&lt;/p&gt;

The 50 Highest Cited Papers on Rotator Cuff Tear

The purpose of this study was to determine the 50 most cited articles on rotator cuff tear and their characteristics. Thomson ISI Web of Science was searched for the following search terms "rotator cuff" and "tear." The following characteristics were determined for each article: author(s), year of publication, source journal, geographic origin, article type (and subtype), and level of evidence for clinical articles. The number of citations ranged from 1558 to 253. The 50 most often cited articles were published in 7 journals. The majority of the articles (n= 46) were clinical, with the remaining representing some type of basic science research. Among clinical articles, the case series (n= 23) was the most common article subtype. Nine articles were methodologic in that they proposed a new classification/scoring system or technique. The most common level of evidence was Level IV (n= 31). This article provides clinicians, researchers, and trainees with a group of articles that should be taken into consideration as building blocks in the treatment of rotator cuff tears. Level IV, literature review.

Progress on improving tendon-to-bone healing for the enthesis of rotator cuff

Rotator cuff repair is a common treatment for rotator cuff tear, which could effectively relieve shoulder pain and improve shoulder movement, and the incidence of rotator cuff retear after rotator cuff repair is still high. The main reason is poor tendon-bone healing in rotator cuff enthesis after rotator cuff repair and could not recover the original histological structure and biomechanical properties. Therefore, the key to solve the problem is how to effectively improve the healing of tendon bone at the end of rotator cuff. With the in-depth study of rotator cuff enthesis, various treatments have made great progress on improving tendon to bone healing of rotator cuff. Our study will discuss the researchprogress on tendon to bone healing of rotator cuff in recent years from three following aspects to provide some guidance for the clinical treatment of rotator cuff tear:the factors affecting the tendon to bone healing of rotator cuff, the recovery of tendon to bone interface promoting the tendon to bone healing of rotator cuff and the application of tissue engineering in tendon to bone healing.

The role of adipose derived stem cells in the treatment of rotator cuff tears: from basic science to clinical application.

Over the last decade, regenerative medicine has become increasingly popular throughout the scientific community. The poor healing capacity at the tendon-bone interface makes the rotator cuff an appealing target for biologic agents. Adipose derived stem cells are mesenchymal cells with the capacity for self-renewal and multipotential differentiation. They have been recently proposed, both in isolation and as adjuvants to existing surgical therapies, for the treatment of rotator cuff tears. Several studies have been carried out in this research field, starting from the biological characteristics of adipose derived stem cells, their preparation and culture, up to the application in the experimental field on animal models and on humans. The purpose of this study was to provide a state of the art about the current basic science and clinical literature for the effectiveness of adipose derived stem cells in the treatment of rotator cuff tears.

Partial Rotator Cuff Repair With Superior Capsular Reconstruction Using the Biceps Tendon Is as Effective as Superior Capsular Reconstruction Using a Tensor Fasciae Latae Autograft in the Treatment of Irreparable Massive Rotator Cuff Tears.

Background:Several treatment options are available for stable massive rotator cuff tears, including partial repair with or without tissue augmentation, tendon transfer, superior capsular reconstruction (SCR), and reverse shoulder arthroplasty.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes and effectiveness of partial rotator cuff repair with SCR using the long head of the biceps tendon (PRCR-SCRB) and SCR with a tensor fasciae latae autograft (SCRTF) for the treatment of rotator cuff tears with severe fatty degeneration. The hypothesis of this study was that SCRTF would be superior to PRCR-SCRB in functional and anatomic outcomes.Study Design:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A total of 26 consecutive patients with massive and fatty degenerative rotator cuff tears were treated surgically. Patients were divided into either the PRCR-SCRB group (n = 14) or SCRTF group (n = 12). Functional outcomes were assessed at final follow-up, and the acromiohumeral distance (AHD) was measured.Results:All functional scores significantly improved in both groups at final follow-up. The PRCR-SCRB group showed better overall outcomes in terms of the visual analog scale for pain; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score; and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, but these differences were not statistically significant. Better outcomes were found for only the AHD for the PRCR-SCRB group without statistical significance (P = .4). No statistical difference was found in terms of retear rate.Conclusion:PRCR-SCRB had comparable outcomes and improvement in AHD compared with SCRTF without the need for additional graft harvesting.

Rotator cuff tear with joint stiffness: a review of current treatment and rehabilitation.

Repair of the rotator cuff tear is a joint-tightening procedure that can worsen joint stiffness. This paradoxical phenomenon complicates treatment of rotator cuff tear with joint stiffness. As a result, there is controversy about how and when to treat joint stiffness. As many treatments have been published, this review discusses the latest findings on treatment of rotator cuff tear with joint stiffness.

A Novel Acromion Radiological Classification and Its Clinical Application Study: Comparing Rockwood Tilt View with Arthroscopic Findings in 101 Shoulders

Background: It is estimated that more than 25% of general population more than 60 years old experience rotator cuff tear, acromial impingement syndrome is one of the most common causes. Morphology of acromion is an important extrinsic factor in the development of rotator cuff tear. The traditional classification of the acromion by Bigliani et al. based on supraspinatus outlet view has been widely used, but due to the high requirements for patients to obtain true supraspinatus outlet view and the poor inter-observer reliability, it brings lots of limitations to the clinical use of this classification. In our clinical work, we have noticed that the formation of acromial anterolateral spur on Rockwood tilt view has some relationship to a rotator cuff tear. Objectives: To develop a new classification of acromion based on the subacromial impingement theory and the Rockwood tilt view. And explore the application value of the new classification in the diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff tear. Methods: From January 2017 to December 2017, 101 cases of shoulder arthroscopic surgeries for impingement syndrome or rotator cuff tear were retrospectively analyzed. We developed a new classification of the acromion based on the Rockwood tilt view as type I flat acromion, type II bump acromion and type III impingement acromion. The status of the supraspinatus tendon was also recorded as no tear, partial-thickness tear, and full-thickness tear. We tested the inter-observer and intra-observer reliability of the new classification system (Kappa value) and analyzed the correlation between the acromion morphology and the rupture of the supraspinatus tendon. Results: In all 101 cases, the most common type was the impingement acromion with 46 patients (45.5%), followed by bump acromion in 37 patients (36.6%), and the flat acromion in 18 patients (17.8%). The inter-observer reliability of the new classification system was significantly better than that of the traditional classification (0.826 vs. 0.281). The incidence of supraspinatus tendon tear in the patients with impingement acromion was significantly higher than that of the other two types of acromion (ϰ2 = 50.316,P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The Rockwood tilt view can well demonstrate the exact architecture of the anterolateral acromion spur. The new classification based on Rockwood tilt view has high reliability and good reproducibility. The type III impingement acromion correlates highly with the supraspinatus tendon tear. Level of evidence: Level II.

PSU6 EARLY VS. DELAYED ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS FROM A LARGE ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMS DATABASE

Early surgical treatment of rotator cuff tears (RCT) can prevent further rotator cuff tendon and muscle degeneration. This study aims to understand if there is an economic benefit associated with early RCR surgery.

Treatment of rotator cuff tear in global stiff shoulder by arthroscopic 360° capsular release with concomitant rotator cuff repair

To evaluate the clinical effect of arthroscopic 360° capsular release with concomitant rotator cuff repair for patients with rotator cuff tears in global stiff shoulder. From December 2016 to December 2018, 247 patients full-thickness rotator cuff tear were treated with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Among them, 42 patients (17%) with global limitation of shoulder movement were treated with arthroscopic 360° capsular release operation at the same time of rotator cuff repair. The function of shoulder was evaluated by Constant-Murley score and visual analogue scales (VAS), flexion, abduction and external rotation on body side before and after operation. Sugaya classification was used to evaluatethe healing of rotator cuff. The number of shoulder dislocations during follow-up was recorded. Thirty nine of the 42 patients were followed up for 12 to 36 (22±6) months. The patients were 43 to 73 (57±7) years old at the time of operation. The Constant- Murley score increased from (43.6±6.3) before operation to (87.5±2.8) at final follow-up (P<0.001). VAS score decreased from (7.2±1.5) before operation to (1.0±0.9) at final follow-up (P<0.001). The flexion of shoulder increased from (46±14)° before operation to (148±11)° after operation (P<0.001), the abduction from (36±6)° before operation to (121±10)° after operation (P<0.001), and the external rotation on body side from (5±10)° before operation to (42±8)° after operation(P<0.001). One year after the operation, MRI showed thatⅠ-Ⅲ of Sugaya classification was clinical healing, 38 cases in total. Arthroscopic 360° capsular release with concomitant rotator cuff repair was used to treat rotator cuff tear in global stiff shoulder. Themain observation indexes were improved after operation, and the clinical effect was definite.

Effectiveness of video-based rehabilitation program on pain, functionality, and quality of life in the treatment of rotator cuff tears: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundVideo-based rehabilitation programs, which are also used in the treatment of neurological disorders, could be a beneficial treatment option for patients who cannot receive treatment. PurposeTo determine the efficacy of video-based rehabilitation program in the conservative treatment of partial rotator cuff tears in comparison to a physiotherapist-supervised rehabilitation program. Study DesignA randomized controlled clinical trial. MethodsThirty-three voluntary patients with partial rotator cuff tear were randomized into two groups: video-based rehabilitation (VBR) group and physiotherapist-supervised rehabilitation (PSR) group, for a common 6 weeks rehabilitation program. After drop outs, thirty participants (mean ± SD age, 50.60 ± 8.54 years; 10 female) were finally completed the trial. Active shoulder range of motion, pain, functional status, and health-related quality of life of the patients were assessed before and after treatment. Also, treatment satisfaction level was assessed at the end of the treatment. ResultsThere was statistically significant improvement in terms of active shoulder range of motion values (mean differences at 95% confidence interval for abduction: 30.75-51.37 in the VBR group, 34.20-54.45 in the PSR group, P = .001 in both groups) and secondary outcome measures within both groups (P < .05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in terms of all outcome measures between groups (P > .05). The level of satisfaction from treatment in the PSR group was higher than that in the VBR group. ConclusionA video-based rehabilitation program is an effective option in terms of shoulder range of motion, pain, functionality, and quality of life and has a comparable success level with a PSR program in the conservative treatment of partial rotator cuff tears.

Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries.

Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries Clinical Practice Guideline is based on a systematic review of current scientific and clinical research. The purpose of this clinical practice guideline is to guide the clinician's ability to diagnose and treat rotator cuff tears in adults by providing evidence-based recommendations for key decisions that affect the management of patients with rotator cuff injuries. This guideline contains 33 recommendations, including both diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the work group highlighted the need for better research in the diagnosis and treatment of rotator cuff injuries.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears with Bone Marrow Concentrate and Platelet Products Compared to Exercise Therapy: A Midterm Analysis.

Injectable regenerative therapies such as bone marrow concentrate (BMC) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may represent a safe alternative in the treatment of rotator cuff tears. This is a midterm review of a randomized, crossover trial comparing autologous BMC and platelet product injections versus exercise therapy in the treatment of partial and full-thickness supraspinatus tears. Patients enrolled into the study were between 18 and 65 years of age presenting to an outpatient orthopedic clinic with partial to full thickness, nonretracted supraspinatus tendon tears. Enrolled patients were randomized to either ultrasound-guided autologous BMC with PRP and platelet lysate (PL) percutaneous injection treatment or exercise therapy. Patients could cross over to BMC treatment after at least 3 months of exercise therapy. Patients completed the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included the numeric pain scale (NPS), a modified Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), and a blinded MRI review. At this midterm review, results from 25 enrolled patients who have reached at least 12-month follow-up are presented. No serious adverse events were reported. Significant differences were seen in patient reported outcomes for the BMC treatment compared to exercise therapy at 3 and 6 months for pain, and for function and reported improvement (SANE) at 3 months (p < .05). Patients reported a mean 89% improvement at 24 months, with sustained functional gains and pain reduction. MRI review showed a size decrease of most tears post-BMC treatment. These findings suggest that ultrasound-guided BMC and platelet product injections are a safe and useful alternative to conservative exercise therapy of torn, nonretracted supraspinatus tendons. This trial is registered with NCT01788683.

Surgery for rotator cuff tears

Surgery for rotator cuff tears

Does the Use of Injectable Atelocollagen during Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Improve Clinical and Structural Outcomes?

BackgroundSince the establishment of biological augmentation to improve the treatment of rotator cuff tears, it is imperative to explore newer techniques to reduce the retear rate and improve long-term shoulder function after rotator cuff repair. This study was undertaken to determine the consequences of a gel-type atelocollagen injection during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair on clinical outcomes, and evaluate its effect on structural integrity.MethodsBetween January 2014 and June 2015, 121 patients with full thickness rotator cuff tears underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Of these, 61 patients were subjected to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in combination with an atelocollagen injection (group I), and 60 patients underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair alone (group II). The visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and the Korean Shoulder Society (KSS) scores were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at 6 months postoperatively, to assess the integrity of the repair.ResultsVAS scores were significantly lower in group I than in group II at 3, 7, and 14 days after surgery. KSS scores showed no significant difference between groups in the 24 months period of follow-up. No significant difference was obtained in the healing rate of the rotator cuff tear at 6 months postoperatively (p=0.529).ConclusionsAlthough a gel-type atelocollagen injection results in reduced pain in patients at 2 weeks after surgery, our study does not substantiate the administration of atelocollagen during rotator cuff repair to improve the clinical outcomes and healing of the rotator cuff.