Biology of Rotator Cuff Healing

Abstract

Rotator cuff tears are the most common source of shoulder pain and dysfunction in adults worldwide. It is estimated that 30–40% of the current population over the age of 60 will suffer a full-thickness rotator cuff tear [1]. Due to the enormity of this population, significant research efforts have been undertaken to identify strategies for prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of rotator cuff tears. The rate of recurrence of rotator cuff tears, estimated to range from 5% to 85%, is also a significant factor to consider when assessing the overall burden that these injuries impart upon healthcare systems. The majority of recurrent tears occur in the first 3 months following primary repair, and this high rate of recurrence is primarily attributed to poor healing [2]. Despite ever-improving biomechanics of fixation, biological failure following rotator cuff repair remains a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide.