Biological Augmentation With Subacromial Bursa in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Abstract

Rotator cuff tears can be associated with significant shoulder dysfunction and pain. Despite improved surgical techniques and new materials for rotator cuff reconstruction, there is no significant reduction in the re-rupture rate. Innovative approaches for enhanced tendon healing are required. The potential of biologically optimized tendon integration has probably been insufficiently explored so far. The existing practice of debridement might eliminate repair tissue and a major source of cells and blood vessels necessary for tendon healing. Biological augmentation may be an option to improve the healing process. The subacromial bursa is a highly proliferative tissue with mesenchymal stem cells capable of differentiating into various cell lines and is easily accessible during rotator cuff repair. We describe the technique of bursal augmentation in arthroscopic double-row SutureBridge repair of a posterosuperior rotator cuff tear with the aim of improving tendon-to-bone healing.