Our Summary

The researchers are studying new ways to heal shoulder injuries, specifically where the tendon connects to the bone in the rotator cuff. They isolated cells from a human rotator cuff and created a thin sheet of these cells. They then tested this cell sheet in rats that had a similar shoulder injury.

In some rats, they attached the tendon back to the bone and covered it with the cell sheet. In other rats, they attached the tendon back to the bone without the cell sheet. They found that the rats that had the cell sheet showed better healing. The area of injury had more cells that are usually found in healthy tissue, and the genes that control healing were more active. The healed area was also stronger in these rats compared to the ones without the cell sheet.

This means the cell sheet could be a promising way to treat shoulder injuries in the future. However, more research is needed before it can be used in humans.

FAQs

  1. What is the new method researchers are studying to heal shoulder injuries?
  2. How did the use of the cell sheet affect the healing process in the tested rats?
  3. When can we expect this cell sheet method to be used in treating human shoulder injuries?

Doctor’s Tip

In the meantime, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for post-operative care after rotator cuff repair surgery. This may include physical therapy to strengthen the shoulder muscles, proper rest and avoiding activities that could strain the shoulder, and taking any prescribed medications to manage pain and inflammation. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing. By following your doctor’s advice and taking care of your shoulder properly, you can increase the chances of a successful recovery from rotator cuff repair surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for rotator cuff repair are those who have a torn or damaged rotator cuff tendon that is causing significant pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder. These patients may have tried conservative treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections without significant improvement. They may also have persistent symptoms that are affecting their daily activities and quality of life.

Patients who are physically active or have jobs that require overhead arm movements, such as athletes, manual laborers, and musicians, may also be candidates for rotator cuff repair to restore function and prevent further injury. Additionally, patients who have a large or complete tear of the rotator cuff, as confirmed by imaging studies such as MRI, may benefit from surgical repair to reattach the tendon to the bone and improve shoulder stability and function.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo rotator cuff repair surgery is based on a thorough evaluation by a qualified orthopedic surgeon, taking into consideration the patient’s age, overall health, activity level, and specific goals for treatment.

Timeline

Before rotator cuff repair:

  1. Patient experiences shoulder pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
  2. Patient undergoes physical examination, imaging tests (such as MRI or ultrasound), and possibly a trial of conservative treatments (such as physical therapy or cortisone injections).
  3. If conservative treatments are unsuccessful, patient may be recommended for rotator cuff repair surgery.

After rotator cuff repair:

  1. Patient undergoes rotator cuff repair surgery, which involves reattaching the torn tendon to the bone.
  2. Patient goes through a period of immobilization and physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the shoulder.
  3. Patient may experience pain and discomfort during the recovery period, which can last several months.
  4. Over time, patient gradually regains function in the shoulder and experiences improved strength and range of motion.
  5. Long-term follow-up may be recommended to monitor the success of the surgery and address any ongoing issues.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What exactly is a rotator cuff repair surgery and how is it performed?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with rotator cuff repair surgery?
  3. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after rotator cuff repair surgery?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies available for rotator cuff injuries besides surgery?
  5. How successful is rotator cuff repair surgery in terms of relieving pain and restoring shoulder function?
  6. Is the use of cell sheets in rotator cuff repair a common practice or still considered experimental?
  7. What are the potential benefits of using a cell sheet in rotator cuff repair compared to traditional methods?
  8. Are there any specific criteria or factors that make a patient a good candidate for using a cell sheet in rotator cuff repair?
  9. What is the timeline for potential availability of cell sheet technology for rotator cuff repair in human patients?
  10. Are there any ongoing clinical trials or research studies related to using cell sheets for rotator cuff repair that I should be aware of?

Reference

Authors: Harada Y, Mifune Y, Inui A, Sakata R, Muto T, Takase F, Ueda Y, Kataoka T, Kokubu T, Kuroda R, Kurosaka M. Journal: J Orthop Res. 2017 Feb;35(2):289-296. doi: 10.1002/jor.23289. Epub 2016 Jun 14. PMID: 27171575