Technologies to Augment Rotator Cuff Repair

Abstract

Healing rates after rotator cuff repair vary widely. New technologies seek to improve tendon to bone healing with the addition of platelet-rich plasma, stem cells, and biological and synthetic grafts. Platelet-rich plasma and mesenchymal stem cells are used to help create a favorable environment for tendon to bone healing, and grafts and scaffolds provide structural support for repair. The efficacy of platelet-rich plasma and stem cell products seems to be variable, with different products offering different levels of cytokine and growth factors. Scaffold material is also variable with a wide range of synthetic and biological grafts.

Keywords: Allograft scaffold; Platelet-rich plasma; Rotator cuff repair; Stem cells; Synthetic scaffold.