Biologically Enhanced Healing of the Human Rotator Cuff: 8-month Postoperative Histological Evaluation

Abstract

Given the high percentage of persistent rotator cuff defects, investigators have begun exploring techniques that use biologic adjuvants to recreate a biomechanically equivalent layer of connective tissue. To evaluate the efficacy of a mesenchymal stem cell, platelet-rich plasma, and dermal allograft construct, a histological comparison of native rotator cuff tissue and biologically enhanced rotator cuff tissue was performed. The evaluation indicated that this treatment modality in conjunction with an adjusted rehabilitation protocol may successfully recreate a transition zone and restore a synovial lining similar to native tissue.