Objective To investigate the effect of canine decellularized tendon slices (DTSs) on tendon-bone healing in repairing rotator cuff injury of rabbit. Methods Canine DTSs were prepared by repetitive freeze/thaw 5 times combined with nuclease processing for 12 hours from the adult Beagles Achilles tendons. Histological observation and cytocompatibility evaluation for the canine DTSs were performed in vitro. Twenty-four mature male New Zealand white rabbits, weighing 2.5-3.0 kg, were randomly selected. U-shaped defect of more than 50% of normal tendon in width and 8 mm in length was made in infraspinatus tendons of unilateral limb as the experimental group; the canine DTSs were used to repair defect, and the insertion of infraspinatus tendon on greater tuberosity of humerus was reconstructed in the experimental group. No treatment was done on the contralateral limb as the control group. At 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation, the specimens were harvested for histological observation and biomechanical test. Results Histological examination showed that collagen fibers of canine DTSs were well preserved, without residual cells. The cytocompatibility examination showed that fibroblasts attached well to canine DTSs. Biomechanical test showed that the maximum load and stiffness increased significantly with time, and the maximum load and stiffness at 12 weeks were significantly higher than those at 4 and 8 weeks (P lt; 0.05). The maximum load and stiffness of the experimental group at 4 and 8 weeks were significantly lower than those of the control group (P lt; 0.05). The stiffness of the experimental group at 12 weeks was significantly lower than that of the control group (t= — 5.679, P=0.000), but no significant difference was found in the maximum load at 12 weeks between 2 groups (t=0.969, P=0.361). Histological observation showed that the control group displayed a 4-layer structure of the tendon-bone insertion. In the experimental group at 4 weeks, the tendon-bone interface was filled with granulation tissue, and a small amount of Sharpey’s fibers-like connected the tendon to bone; granulation tissue disappeared, and fibroblasts, Sharpey’s fiber, new cartilage, and chondrocytes significantly increased with time; tendon-bone interface became mature, but the tide line was not observed between the unmineralized fibrocartilage and mineralized fibrocartilage. Conclusion Canine DTSs prepared by repetitive freeze/thaw 5 times combined with nuclease processing for 12 hours, can enhance the healing of host tendon-bone and improve the biomechanical characteristics of the rabbit infraspinatus tendon.
Objective To discuss and evaluate the diagnose and surgical techniques of rotator cuff tear with arthroscopic repair and its cl inical results. Methods From November 2006 to April 2008, 22 patients with rotator cuff tear were treated by arthroscopic repair using 5 different methods. There were 13 males and 9 females, aged 28-51 years old (mean37.9 years old). The locations were left shoulder in 6 cases and right shoulder in 16 cases. Eleven cases underwent shoulder joint injury and other 11 cases had no inducement. According to Bigl iani acromion classificatioin, there were 12 cases of type II and 10 cases of type III. There were 5 bursa-side tear, 3 articular-side tear, and 14 full thickness tear. The disease course was 5 months to 6 years (mean 16.6 months). After all the patients underwent acromioplasty, 4 cases were treated by debridement of rotator cuff, 7 cases by single roll suture anchor, 4 cases by double suture anchors, 3 cases by trible suture anchors, and 4 cases by transosseous technique suture. Results Incision healed by first intention and no compl ications occurred in all patients. Twenty-two cases were followed up 12-26 months (mean 15.6 months). The active forward flexion and abduction at the last follow-up were over 150° in 21 cases, 90-l20° in 1 case. Postoperatively, the forward flexion strength was grade 5 in 20 cases and grade 4 in 2 cases. The score of University of Cal ifornia Los Angeles, the pain score, the function score, the forward flexion score, the forward flexion strength were improved significantly when compared with preoperation (P lt; 0.05). The results were excellent in 13 cases and good in 9 cases, the excellent and good rate was 100%. Conclusion Depending on the correct diagnoses, 5 different methods of rotator cuff repair are used according to the different changes of shoulders, the outcome is good in all cases.
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms,diagnosis,and surgical procedures of simultaneous lesions of the rotator cuff and the brachial plexus. MethodsBetween July 2006 and June 2012,7 patients with rotator cuff tear associated with brachial plexus injury were treated.There were 3 males and 4 females with a mean age of 47.3 years (range,37-72 years).The reasons of injury were traumatic shoulder dislocation in 6 cases and falling injury from height in 1 case,with a mean disease duration of 17 days (range,5-31 days).The average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score was 55.86±9.42,and visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 7.14±1.35.There were 3 cases of large rotator cuff tears (>3 cm) and 4 cases of massive rotator cuff tears (>5 cm) according to Gerber standard;1 case had upper trunk injury of the brachial plexus and 6 cases had bundle branch injury of the brachial plexus according to GU Yudong's classification.The functional score of brachial plexus score was 7.43±1.27 according to the functional assessment standard by Hand Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association.All patients accepted arthroscopic rotator cuff repairing,and 1 case received surgical neurolysis of brachial plexus. ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention without complication.All the 7 patients were followed up 18 to 25 months (mean,20.4 months).The function,muscle strength,and sensation of the shoulder were improved obviously.The shoulder ASES score was 84.71±8.06 and was significantly better than preoperative score (t=-8.194,P=0.000).The VAS score was 2.71±1.50 and was significantly better than preoperative score (t=7.750,P=0.000).The functional score of brachial plexus was 14.00±1.16 and was significantly better than preoperative score (t=-11.500,P=0.000). ConclusionIt is difficult to simultaneously diagnose lesions of the rotator cuff and the brachial plexus;orthopedists should pay attention to possible patients to avoid missed diagnosis and diagnostic errors.Nerve nutrition,physical therapy,and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair can achieve good effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of reversed arthroscopic subacromial decompression in the treatment of rotator cuff tears. MethodsBetween November 2012 and January 2015, 53 patients with rotator cuff tears were treated with reversed arthroscopic subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair. Of 53 patients, 38 were male and 15 were female, with the age of 47-61 years (mean, 53.4 years). The injury was caused by falling in 36 cases and other in 17 cases without an obvious history of trauma. All patients had shoulder pain and limited shoulder movement before operation. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was 6.4±0.9, and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score was 16.3±1.9. MRI showed that distal supraspinatus tear was observed in 41 cases and distal infraspinatus tear in 12 cases; partial-thickness rotator cuff tear was observed in 9 cases and full-thickness tear in 44 cases. And the tear size was from 1 to 3 cm (mean, 1.9 cm). Combined injuries included tendinitis of long head of biceps brachii in 31 cases, Bankart lesion in 5 cases, and superior labrum anterior and posterior lesion in 2 cases. ResultsIncision healed by first intention in all patients; no infection or nerve injury occurred. Forty-nine cases were followed up from 12 to 35 months (mean, 22.8 months). After operation, shoulder pain relief was achieved in 42 cases; 7 cases had anterior shoulder pain at 3 months after operation, which was relieved after symptomatic treatment. At last follow-up, VAS score was significantly decreased to 0.5±0.6 (t=40.565, P=0.000). UCLA score was significantly increased to 33.8±1.7 (t=-79.799, P=0.000). The results were excellent in 42 cases, good in 6 cases, and fair in 1 case; the excellent and good rate was 98.0%. ConclusionReversed arthroscopic subacromial decompression can avoid coracoacromial arch injury and achieve good recovery of joint function, so it can be used in rotator cuff tears procedure.
Objective To investigate effectiveness of rotator cuff repair with manipulation release and arthroscopic debridement for rotator cuff tear with shoulder stiffness. Methods A retrospectively study was performed on the data of 15 patients with rotator cuff tear combined with shoulder stiffness (stiff group) and 24 patients without stiffness (non-stiff group) between January 2014 and December 2015. The patients in the stiff group underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with manipulation release and arthroscopic debridement while the patients in the non-stiff group only received arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The patients in the stiff group were older than the patients in the non-stiff group, showing significant difference (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in gender, type of rotator cuff tear, side of rotator cuff tear, and combined with diabetes between 2 groups (P>0.05). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and range of motion (ROM) were used to evaluate the effectiveness after operation. Results All incisions healed by first intention without any complication after operation. The patients were followed up 13-31 months in the stiff group (mean, 19.2 months) and 13-23 months in the non-stiff group (mean, 20.3 months). There was no significant difference in follow- up time between 2 groups (t=–0.573, P=0.570). The VAS score in the stiff group was higher than that in the non-stiff group before operation (t=–2.166, P=0.037); there was no significant difference between 2 groups at 3, 6, 12 months and last follow-up (P>0.05). The forward flexion and external rotation were significantly lower in the stiff group than those in the non-stiff group before operation and at 3 months after operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between 2 groups at 6, 12 months and last follow-up (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the internal rotation was beyond L3 level in 2 groups. The preoperative UCLA score was significant lower in the stiff group than that in the non-stiff group (P=0.037); but there was no significant difference in UCLA score at last follow-up between 2 groups (P=0.786). There was no significant difference in pre- and post-operative ASES scores between 2 groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Satisfactory effectiveness can be achieved in the patients with rotator cuff tear combined with shoulder stiffness after rotator cuff repair with manipulation release and arthroscopic debridement, although the patients with shoulder stiffness had slower postoperative recovery of ROM until 6 months after operation.
ObjectiveTo assess the effect of microfracture and biomimetic hydrogel scaffold on tendon-to-bone healing in a rabbit rotator cuff tear model.MethodsGelatin and methacrylic anhydride were used to synthesize gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA). Then the GelMA were treated with ultraviolet rays and vacuum freeze-drying method to obtain a biomimetic hydrogel scaffold. The morphology of the scaffold was observed by gross observation and scanning electron microscope. Degradation of the scaffold was determined at different time points. Twenty-four adult New Zealand rabbits, weighting 2.8-3.5 kg and male or female, were surgically created the bilateral acute rotator cuff tear models. One shoulder was treated with microfractures on the footprint and transosseous suture (control group, n=24). The other shoulder was treated with the same way, except for putting the scaffold on the footprint before transosseous suture (experimental group, n=24). The general conditions of rabbits were observed postoperatively. Tendon-to-bone healing was evaluated by gross observation, Micro-CT, HE staining, and bio-mechanical testing at 4 and 8 weeks after operation.ResultsThe scaffold was white and has a porous structure with pore size of 31.7-89.9 μm, which degraded slowly in PBS solution. The degradation rate was about 95% at 18 days. All the rabbits survived to the completion of the experiment. Micro-CT showed that there was no obvious defect and re-tear at the tendon-to-bone interface in both groups. No difference was found in bone mineral density (BMD), tissue mineral density (TMD), and bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) between the two groups at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively (P>0.05). HE staining showed that the fibrous scar tissue was the main component at the tendon-to-bone interface in the control group at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively; the disorderly arranged mineralized cartilage and fibrocartilage formation were observed at the tendon-to-bone interface in the experimental group at 4 weeks, and the orderly arranged cartilage formation was observed at 8 weeks. Besides, the tendon maturation scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group at 4 and 8 weeks (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the ultimate load to failure and stiffness between the two groups at 4 weeks (P>0.05); the ultimate load to failure at 8 weeks was significantly higher in the experiment group than in the control group (t=4.162, P=0.009), and no significant difference was found in stiffness between the two groups at 8 weeks (t=2.286, P=0.071).ConclusionCompared with microfracture alone, microfracture combined with biomimetic hydrogel scaffold can enhance tendon-to-bone healing and improve the ultimate load to failure in rabbits.
ObjectiveTo review the research progress of indication and treatment of graft in shoulder superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) for rotator cuff tear (RCT).MethodsThe literature related to shoulder SCR in recent years was extensively reviewed, and the anatomy, biomechanics, surgical indications, and treatment of graft in SCR were summarized.ResultsSuperior capsule plays a role as a functional complex with rotator cuff, ligament, and whole capsule. SCR can effectively restore the superior stability of the shoulder. The indications of SCR include the irreparable massive RCT, massive RCT combined with pseudoparalysis shoulder, medium/large RCT with severe degenerative rotator cuff tissue, and dual-layer RCT. In order to achieve a better healing of tendon-bone in graft and decrease the rate of long-term graft retearing, it is essential to select an appropriate thickness graft, fix the graft in right intensity, and get a better capsular continuity.ConclusionThe technique of SCR advanced to SCR for reinforcement and it is indicated from substantial massive RCT to severe degeneration of rotator cuff tissue. Graft treatment is the key step for a successful SCR.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of asymptomatic hyperuricemia on the effectiveness of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.MethodsThe clinical data of 80 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and met the selection criteria between March 2018 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the serum uric acid level, the patients were divided into hyperuric acid group (46 cases, the serum uric acid level was more than 417 μmol/L in males and was more than 357 μmol/L in females) and normal group (34 cases, serum uric acid level was lower than the above standard). There was no significant difference in gender, age, side, body mass index, blood glucose level, total cholesterol level, rotator cuff tear size, and preoperative shoulder motion, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) score, Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and other general data between the two groups (P>0.05). The range of motion of abduction, forward flexion, and external rotation at 90° abduction were recorded and compared between the two groups before operation and at last follow-up; the improvement of shoulder pain was evaluated by VAS score; the improvement of shoulder function was evaluated by UCLA score, Constant score, and ASES score; and the shoulder joint MRI grade was evaluated according to Sugaya evaluation criteria.ResultsAll patients were followed up 9-16 months, with an average of 11.9 months; there was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the two groups (t=0.968, P=0.336). There were 2 cases of retear in the hyperuric acid group (including 1 case of severe tear) and 1 case of light retear in the normal group. The remaining patients in the two groups had no early-related complications. At last follow-up, the range of motion of the shoulder joints (abduction, forward flexion, external rotation at 90° abduction), VAS score, UCLA score, Constant score, and ASES score of the two groups were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05); the above indicators in the normal group were significantly better than those in the hyperuric acid group (P<0.05). The MRI grade of the shoulder joint in the normal group was significantly better than that in the hyperuric acid group (Z=–2.000, P=0.045).ConclusionCompared with patients with normal serum uric acid level, asymptomatic hyperuricemia can lead to worse recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients with rotator cuff tears.
Objective A multicenter, randomized, single-blind, parallel-controlled noninferiority study was used to evaluate the short-term safety and effectiveness of domestic polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) suture anchor for rotator cuff repair by comparing with the imported PEEK suture anchor commonly used in clinical practice. Methods A total of 59 patients with rotator cuff tears who were admitted between May 2019 and October 2019 were selected as the research objects. Among them, 3 patients were excluded because they did not meet the selection criteria, and 1 patient withdrew from the study because of serious adverse events. A total of 55 patients were included in the study. They were randomly divided into trial group (n=27) and control group (n=28). The trial group used PEEK suture anchors produced from REJOIN Company, and the control group used PEEK suture anchors from American Arthrex Company. Two patients in control group were lost to follow-up. Twenty-seven patients in trial group and 26 patients in control group were included in the final quantitative analysis. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in gender, age, disease duration, side and sizes of rotator cuff tears, composition ratio of patients with type 2 diabetes, and preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant-Murley score, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. The patients were followed up regularly after operation. The postoperative follow-up included safety evaluation (complications, anchor position, and anchor bone reaction) and effectiveness evaluation (shoulder joint function and pain scores, rotator cuff integrity based on Sugaya classification criteria). Results The operations in both groups were successfully completed, and there was no complication related to the operation and suture anchor. All incisions healed by first intention. There was no significant difference in follow-up time between trial group [(5.85±0.77) months] and control group [(5.96±0.72) months] (t=0.535, P=0.595). MRI examination indicated that the repaired tendons were fixed and the anchors did not get loose or torn. At 1 day, 3 months, and 6 months after operation, there was no patient with grade 3-4 anchor bone reaction in the two groups, and there was no significant difference in the bone reaction grading between groups (P>0.05). After operation, the VAS scores of the two groups gradually decreased, and the ASES scores, Constant-Murley scores, and UCLA scores gradually increased, and there were significant differences between groups at each time point (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between groups at different time points (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in Sugaya classification of rotator cuff integrity at 1 day, 3 months, and 6 months after operation between groups (P>0.05). Conclusion The short-term safety and effectiveness of domestic PEEK suture anchors in rotator cuff tear repair are not significant different from those of imported PEEK suture anchors commonly used in clinical practice.
Objective To compare the early effectiveness of arthroscopic repair of moderate rotator cuff tears with single-row modified Mason-Allen technique and double-row suture bridge technique. MethodsThe clinical data of 40 patients with moderate rotator cuff tears who met the selection criteria between January 2021 and May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 20 cases were repaired with single-row modified Mason-Allen suture technique (single-row group) and 20 cases with double-row suture bridge technique (double-row group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, rotator cuff tear size, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Constant-Murley score, and T2* value between the two groups (P>0.05). The VAS score, Constant-Murley score (including subjective influence, pain, flexion, internal rotation, external rotation, abduction, and muscle strength score) were compared between the two groups before operation and at 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months after operation. Functional MRI and ultrashort-echo-time (UTE)-T2* technique were performed to calculate T2* value and quantitatively evaluate the healing of rotator cuff tissue; and the healing of rotator cuff was evaluated by Sugaya classification at 12 months after operation. ResultsPatients in both groups were followed up 1 year. There was no complication such as muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, or postoperative rotator cuff tear. The intra-group comparison showed that the scores of pain, subjective influence, flexion, abduction, and muscle strength in Constant-Murley scores at each time point after operation in the two groups were significantly higher than those before operation, while VAS scores were significantly lower than those before operation (P<0.05). Internal rotation, external rotation, and total score of Constant-Murley score in the two groups were lower at 6 weeks due to abduction immobilization within 6 weeks after operation, and gradually increased at 6 months after operation, with significant differences at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation when compared with those before operation and at 6 weeks after operation (P<0.05). The T2* values of the two groups showed a downward trend over time, and there were significant differences between the two groups at other time points (P<0.05), except that there was no significant difference between at 6 and 12 months after operation in the single-row group and between at 3, 6, and 12 months after operation in the double-row group (P>0.05). The comparison between groups showed that the VAS score and T2* values of the double-row group were significantly lower than those of the single-row group at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after operation (P<0.05). The scores of subjective influence, flexion, abduction, and internal rotation in the double-row group were significantly better than those in the single-row group at 6 weeks and 3 months after operation (P<0.05), and the external rotation score and total score in the double-row group were significantly better than those in the single-row group at 3 months after operation (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference at 6 and 12 months after operation (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in muscle strength and pain scores between the two groups at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after operation (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the results of Sugaya classification between the two groups at 12 months after operation (Z=1.060, P=0.289). Conclusion The effectiveness of arthroscopic repair of moderate rotator cuff tears with modified Mason-Allen technique and double-row suture bridge technique is satisfactory, but suture bridge technique is helpful to the early rehabilitation training of shoulder joint and the recovery of motor function of patients.