Our Summary

The current way of fixing a rotator cuff (a group of muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint) is through surgery. However, this method often fails because the connection between the tendon and bone doesn’t heal properly in the early stages. To solve this problem, researchers are looking at using biological enhancements to improve the tendon-to-bone healing.

In this study, scientists used stem cells that come from tendons (TDSCs) and a patch made from pig Achilles tendon (APAT) to see if they could improve healing. The stem cells can turn into cells that help with repair, and the patch provides a support platform for these cells.

The researchers first made sure that the APAT patch had no pig cells on it and that the TDSCs were evenly spread on the patch. They also found that the TDSCs attached well to the patch and grew faster on it. Additionally, the researchers found that being on the patch made the TDSCs turn on genes that create cells that help tendons and bones.

The researchers then tested these patches on rabbits with rotator cuff injuries. They found that the patches with TDSCs significantly improved the healing of the tendon-to-bone connection compared to the patches without TDSCs. The patches with TDSCs also made the tendon-bone structure more normal and improved its physical properties.

In conclusion, APAT patches help TDSCs grow and turn into cells that help with tendon and bone repair. These patches have great potential in improving the healing of rotator cuff injuries and could be very useful in surgery.

FAQs

  1. What is the current issue with rotator cuff surgery and how are researchers trying to solve it?
  2. What role do TDSCs and the APAT patch play in the healing of tendon-to-bone connections?
  3. What were the results when the researchers tested these patches on rabbits with rotator cuff injuries?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tendon repair is to follow post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing. This may include keeping the surgical area clean and dry, wearing a brace or sling as directed, performing prescribed exercises to strengthen the repaired tendon, and attending follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. By following these instructions, you can optimize your recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tendon repair surgery include those with severe rotator cuff injuries, chronic tendonitis, tendon tears or ruptures, and other conditions that affect the strength and function of tendons. These patients may experience pain, weakness, limited range of motion, and difficulty performing daily activities. Additionally, patients who have not responded well to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications may also be candidates for tendon repair surgery.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline of what a patient experiences before and after tendon repair would include:

Before tendon repair:

  1. Patient experiences pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the affected area.
  2. Patient undergoes imaging tests, such as MRI, to diagnose the extent of the tendon injury.
  3. Patient consults with a surgeon to discuss treatment options, including surgery for tendon repair.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and preparations for surgery.

After tendon repair:

  1. Patient undergoes surgery to repair the tendon, which may involve using biological enhancements such as stem cells and patches.
  2. Patient undergoes post-operative care, including pain management, physical therapy, and follow-up appointments with the surgeon.
  3. Patient gradually regains strength and range of motion in the affected area through rehabilitation exercises.
  4. Patient may experience some discomfort and stiffness during the healing process.
  5. Over time, patient’s tendon-to-bone connection heals and improves, leading to a reduction in pain and improvement in function.
  6. Patient continues with physical therapy and follow-up appointments to monitor progress and prevent re-injury.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Questions a patient should ask their doctor about tendon repair using biological enhancements:

  1. Can I benefit from using stem cells and patches made from tendon in my tendon repair surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and benefits of using biological enhancements in my tendon repair surgery?
  3. How successful are these biological enhancements in improving the healing of the tendon-to-bone connection?
  4. Are there any specific factors that would make me a good candidate for this type of treatment?
  5. What is the recovery process like for tendon repair surgery using biological enhancements?
  6. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of if I choose to undergo this type of surgery?
  7. How does the cost of tendon repair surgery using biological enhancements compare to traditional surgery methods?
  8. Are there any ongoing research or developments in this field that I should be aware of before making a decision about my treatment options?
  9. Can you provide me with more information or resources to learn more about tendon repair surgery using biological enhancements?

Reference

Authors: Wen H, Fang Y. Journal: Sci Rep. 2024 Mar 27;14(1):7257. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-57495-z. PMID: 38538703