Rotator cuff tear degeneration and cell apoptosis in smokers versus nonsmokers

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of smoking on supraspinatus tendon degeneration, including cellular alterations, proliferation, and apoptosis of tendon cells. Methods Supraspinatus tendon samples of 10 smokers and 15 nonsmokers with full-thickness tears were compared, focusing on the severity of tendon histopathology including apoptosis (programmed cell death), cellularity, and proliferation. Immunohistochemistry was used to assess the density of apoptotic cells and proliferation. The extent of tendon degeneration was classified according to a revised version of the Bonar tendon histopathology score. Results The smokers were younger (P =.01). The symptom duration among smokers was longer (P