Trends in clinical and basic research on rotator cuff tears in Japan

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Early Japanese research on rotator cuff tears focused on prevalence, asymptomatic cases, and natural history.
• Later studies evaluated arthroscopic repair outcomes, tendon integrity, and conservative treatment results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review clinical and basic research on rotator cuff tears conducted in Japan.
• To highlight the evolution of surgical techniques and research focus in Japan.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of clinical and basic science research on rotator cuff tears in Japan.
• Analysis of trends in surgical interventions and basic research focus.

Main Results:

• Development of advanced arthroscopic techniques like superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) and muscle advancement.
• Shift in basic research towards regenerating native tendon-bone insertion and understanding retear factors.
• Creation of Japan-specific surgical techniques for massive rotator cuff tears prior to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) adoption.

Conclusions:

• Japan has a unique history of rotator cuff tear research and surgical innovation.
• The focus is moving towards biological and biomechanical regeneration of the tendon-bone interface.
• Specific techniques were developed in Japan for massive tears due to later rTSA introduction.