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Minimal Stiffness After Rotator Cuff Repair With Bioinductive Collagen Implants
Brandon D Bushnell1, Brendan T Jarvis, Raymond C Jarvis
1From the Harbin Clinic Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Rome, GA (Dr. Bushnell, Mr. R. C. Jarvis, Dr. Piller, and Mr. Baudier), and the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA (Dr. Bushnell and Mr. B. T. Jarvis).
Bioinductive collagen implants (BCIs) show a low incidence of postoperative stiffness in rotator cuff repair (RCR). Stiffness rates were higher for partial-thickness tears, indicating a need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Bioinductive collagen implants (BCIs) are increasingly used for rotator cuff repair (RCR).
- Concerns exist regarding BCIs potentially causing postoperative stiffness.
- This study evaluates the incidence of stiffness following BCI use in RCR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of postoperative stiffness after rotator cuff repair using bioinductive collagen implants.
- To analyze factors associated with stiffness in RCR patients treated with BCIs.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 432 RCR cases using BCIs (September 2014 - December 2023).
- Primary outcome: postoperative range of motion, defining significant stiffness.
- Secondary outcome: revision surgery for stiffness.
Main Results:
- A low incidence of significant postoperative stiffness (2.8%, 12 cases) was observed.
- Stiffness rates were 1.4% for full-thickness tears and 5.7% for partial-thickness tears (P = 0.0149).
- Most stiff cases required revision surgery and often had pre-existing risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Bioinductive collagen implants are associated with a low incidence of significant postoperative stiffness in RCR.
- Partial-thickness tears showed a higher rate of stiffness compared to full-thickness tears.
- Further research with improved definitions and prospective studies is needed to fully understand RCR stiffness with BCIs.
