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Augmentation of Rotator Cuff Repair Using Umbilical Cord Graft: A Preliminary Observational Study
Dimitrios V Papadopoulos1, Evangelos Zafeiris2, Ilias Mystidis2
12nd Academic Department of Orthopaedics, School of Medicine, Konstandopoulio General Hospital, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
Journal of Long-Term Effects of Medical Implants
|February 2, 2024
Summary
Augmenting rotator cuff repair with umbilical cord allografts shows promise. This method led to zero retears at six months, compared to 30% in the control group, with similar long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Regenerative Medicine
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Rotator cuff tears are common, with high re-tear rates after surgical repair.
- Augmentation strategies are being researched to improve healing and reduce re-tear incidence.
- Umbilical cord allografts present a potential biological option for rotator cuff repair enhancement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of augmenting rotator cuff repair using an umbilical cord allograft.
- To compare re-tear rates and functional outcomes between augmented and non-augmented repairs.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, single-center study comparing 14 patients receiving augmented repair with 10 controls.
- Umbilical cord allograft used as an on-lay patch for augmentation.
- Primary outcome: rotator cuff re-tear incidence; Secondary outcomes: functional and pain scores (Constant-Murley, ASES, VAS).
Main Results:
- Significantly lower re-tear rates in the graft group (0%) versus control (30%) at 6 months (P=0.028).
- No significant difference in re-tear rates between groups at 12 months (P=0.46).
- Similar functional and pain scores (Constant-Murley, ASES, VAS) between groups at all time points (P>0.05).
Conclusions:
- Augmentation with umbilical cord allograft shows a reduced re-tear rate at 6 months post-surgery.
- Patient-reported outcomes and functional scores were comparable to standard repair at 12 months.
- Umbilical cord allografts may improve early healing after rotator cuff repair without compromising long-term function.