Histologic changes during healing with autologous fascia lata graft after superior capsule reconstruction in rabbit model

Background Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) has been developed to improve shoulder function and relieve pain in the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears. Previous studies have reported that graft healing can enhance favorable outcomes after SCR. On other hand, tears often lead less desirable sometimes require additional surgical procedures. However, process underlying this remains unclear. In study, we aimed investigate histologic changes occurring during associated with autologous fascia lata SCR vivo. We hypothesized (1) regenerate fibrocartilaginous insertion into both greater tuberosity superior glenoid (2) midsubstance grafted gradually remodels tendon- and/or ligament-like tissue Methods Irreparable supraspinatus tendon defects were created 24 mature Japanese white rabbits (age, 6 months; mean weight, 3.2 kg). Four weeks creation defects, right shoulders subjected using grafts. The left untreated. Samples from harvested at 4, 8, 12, 16 surgery undergo immunohistochemical examinations. Results Macroscopically, did not observe our experiments. Histologically, number chondrocyte-like cells increased, extracellular matrices around those contained glycosaminoglycan fascia-bone junction unmineralized fibrocartilage, mineralized tidemark observed distribution type II collagen presented a pattern similar normal ligament insertion. fiber oriented parallelly long axis lata. Additionally, III was replaced I Conclusions autograft regenerated glenoid. remodeled tissue. These results suggest capacity for graft-to-bone remodeling