Biologics may provide good imaging results for rotator cuff repair
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Key takeaways:
- Published literature has shown biologics may provide good imaging results in rotator cuff repair.
- Basic science data show bursal cells may have potential benefits in rotator cuff tears.
NEW ORLEANS — Use of biologics in rotator cuff repair may provide good imaging results, but more research is needed on its impact on clinical outcomes, according to a presenter here.
When using platelet-rich plasma, Rachel M. Frank, MD, noted previously published literature has shown improved outcomes with the use of a solid PRP matrix.
“[A solid PRP matrix] was also shown to have positive effects with those tears that we would expect to heal anyway, double-row repairs, small- and medium-sized tears vs. large and massive tears,” Frank said. “There is possibly a role for PRP, but it depends on what you are putting it in, where you are putting it in and what the size of the tear is.”
The literature has also shown that patients who received bone marrow concentrate during rotator cuff repair had excellent healing rates at 10 years compared with patients who did not receive bone marrow concentrate, according to Frank. Although another study showed similar functional outcomes and failures among patients with small- to medium-sized full-thickness rotator cuff supraspinatus tendon tears who did and those who did not receive bone marrow concentrate during repair, Frank said patients who received bone marrow aspirate concentrate had improved imaging results.
Published research also showed patients with rotator cuff tears who received adipose-derived cells had lower retear rates compared with patients who did not receive adipose-derived cells, according to Frank.
“All of the biologic studies are showing that imaging findings get better with biologics, whether it’s PRP, bone marrow or adipose. But what we don’t know yet is the downstream effect of clinical elements,” Frank said. “As clinicians, we have to believe that structure and function are related. If the structural integrity is better with the biologic, it follows that, overtime, the functional outcome will be better. We just haven’t seen that yet.”
Frank added that basic science research has shown potential with bursal cells, as well as important properties regarding tenocyte healing and regeneration.
“The big question is: Will we see the same imaging and, ultimately, functional outcomes that we’re seeing with the other biologics?” Frank said.
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Frank RM. Biologic augmentation of rotator cuff repairs: PRP, adipose and BMAC. Presented at: Biologic Association Annual Summit; May 6-7, 2023; New Orleans.
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