Biologic augmentation of rotator cuff repair with microfragmented autologous subacromial bursal tissue enveloped in a patch of compressed autologous long head of biceps tendon tissue: the technique.

BACKGROUND

Rotator cuff repair is one of the most frequently performed procedures in orthopedic surgery. However, considering the limited healing potential of rotator cuff tendons, several augmentation strategies have evolved to enhance tendon healing. The purpose of this article was to present a new surgical technique called

METHODS

Patients with repairable full-thickness posterosuperior rotator cuff tear and a moderate-to-high risk of healing failure were chosen as candidates for the procedure. It is a biologic augmentation strategy to increase healing potential of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair by use of a biologic graft fixed at the bone-tendon interface. The consists of microfragmented autologous subacromial bursal tissue enveloped in a patch of compressed autologous long head of biceps tendon tissue. The rotator cuff is then repaired to the bone and over the graft using a transosseus equivalent configuration.

CONCLUSION

The technique represents an easy and reliable way to increase the healing potential at the bone-tendon interface by using autologous mesenchymal stem cells from different sources: subacromial bursa and long head of the biceps tendon.