Rotator Cuff Injuries: The Evolving Role of Tissue Engineering

Aims: Rotator cuff injuries are a common injury associated with a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic causative factors. Although surgical reconstruction is a well established option, this is associated with variable re rupture rates. There is a growing body of interest in the potential tissue engineering in the management of rotator cuff injuries. This review aims to summarise the information in the literature on the evolving role of these techniques. Study design: Review Article Place and Duration of Study: University College London Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 4LP, United Kingdom. Methodology: We reviewed the literature to identify studies on the use of tissue engineering therapy for the management of rotator cuff injuries Results: There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that stem cell techniques, augmented by the use of appropriate scaffolds and the influence of growth factors may promote healing in rotator cuff injuries. Conclusion: Tissue engineering holds enormous promise to improve human health through prevention of disease and the restoration of healthy tissue functions. However to date, there is insufficient evidence to draw a solid conclusion. This field however presents a huge potential and warrants larger human studies to confirm any potential benefit.