Our Summary

This research paper looks at how two substances, polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and polynucleotide (PN), might help improve the healing process after surgery for a chronic rotator cuff tear. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint. Sometimes, these tendons can tear, which causes pain and weakness in the shoulder.

In the study, 60 rats were divided into three groups. The rats in each group had a tendon in their right shoulder deliberately torn and then repaired. After this, one group was treated with saline (a kind of salt solution), one with PDRN, and one with PN.

The researchers then checked the rats’ tendons three and six weeks later. They looked at the structure of the tendons and how many cells there were of different types. They also checked the strength of the tendons.

They found that the groups treated with PDRN and PN had better healing in their tendons than the group treated with saline. The PDRN and PN groups had more healthy cells and a better structure in their tendons. They also had fewer fat cells in the tendon, which is a good thing because high levels of fat cells can be a sign of poor healing. The tendons in the PDRN and PN groups were also stronger, although this difference was not statistically significant.

In conclusion, the study suggests that PDRN and PN might help improve the healing process after surgery for a chronic rotator cuff tear. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the study on polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and polynucleotide (PN)?
  2. What were the results of the study on using PDRN and PN for tendon repair?
  3. What does the presence of high levels of fat cells in tendons indicate?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about tendon repair is to follow a proper rehabilitation plan after surgery. This may include physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles around the injured tendon, as well as gradually increasing activity levels to prevent re-injury. It is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible outcome for your tendon repair.

Suitable For

Patients who have suffered from a chronic rotator cuff tear and are undergoing surgery to repair the tendon are typically recommended for tendon repair. These patients often experience pain and weakness in the shoulder due to the tear in the tendons of the rotator cuff. The use of substances like polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) and polynucleotide (PN) may help improve the healing process and outcomes for these patients.

Timeline

Before tendon repair:

  1. Patient experiences pain and weakness in the shoulder due to a chronic rotator cuff tear.
  2. Patient undergoes surgery to repair the torn tendon.
  3. Patient may experience limited mobility and discomfort in the shoulder during the recovery period.

After tendon repair:

  1. Patient is treated with substances like PDRN and PN to aid in the healing process.
  2. Researchers monitor the healing progress of the tendon at three and six weeks post-surgery.
  3. Tendons treated with PDRN and PN show better healing, with more healthy cells, better structure, and increased strength compared to saline-treated tendons.
  4. Patients may experience improved shoulder function and reduced pain following the tendon repair surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about tendon repair include:

  1. Can PDRN or PN be used as part of my tendon repair treatment?
  2. What are the potential benefits of using PDRN or PN in my specific case?
  3. Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with using PDRN or PN for tendon repair?
  4. How will the use of PDRN or PN affect my recovery time after surgery?
  5. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I need to follow if I undergo treatment with PDRN or PN?
  6. How will my progress be monitored if I receive treatment with PDRN or PN?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options available for tendon repair?
  8. What is the success rate of using PDRN or PN for tendon repair compared to other treatments?
  9. How soon after surgery can PDRN or PN be administered, and how long will the effects last?
  10. Will insurance cover the cost of using PDRN or PN for tendon repair, or will it be an out-of-pocket expense?

Reference

Authors: Hwang JT, Lee SS, Han SH, Sherchan B, Panakkal JJ. Journal: Tissue Eng Regen Med. 2021 Dec;18(6):1009-1020. doi: 10.1007/s13770-021-00378-5. Epub 2021 Aug 13. PMID: 34387852