Biological augmentation in rotator cuff repair: Growth factors

Abstract

Growth factors such as the use of platelet-rich plasma-containing growth factors, e.g., IL-1 and IL-6 or TNF-alpha, have been extensively studied but their clinical benefits could not be found. However, currently there are upcoming studies on loading growth factors on matrices with promising results in animal models. To date, the easiest and most cost-effective enhancement in rotator cuff repairs is microfracturing of the humeral head to promote bone marrow stimulation.