In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of a Bovine Collagen Matrix for Acute Rotator Cuff Tear Repair

Full-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCTs) represent a musculoskeletal damage that severely affects shoulder function and quality of life. Current surgical interventions are hindered by limited regenerative capacity of rotator cuff repair implants and high retear rates postoperatively. In this study, we investigated a tendon repair matrix (TRM) product prepared from bovine tendon collagen. The TRM was designed as a regenerative scaffold to improve the healing of damaged rotator cuff. In vitro results showed excellent cytocompatibility of TRM, with significantly enhanced adhesion, proliferation, and spreading of bone marrow stromal cells and tenocyte-like mouse tendon precursor cells,mouse tendon-derived cell line, clone D6 (TT-D6) cells (mouse tendon-derived cell line, clone D6). In a rabbit model of acute full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear, TRM promoted type I collagen deposition, improved interface tissue formation, and enhanced tendon-to-bone integration. Furthermore, biomechanical test results revealed load-bearing capacity of the TRM group compared with both the empty and native tissue control groups. These findings support the clinical potential of TRM as a regenerative scaffold for the functional reconstruction of RCTs.