Biologics as the next step in future of rotator cuff surgery (Healio)
KOLOA, Hawaii — For the repair of rotator cuff tears, healing matters; however, the use of biologics and patches has unanswered questions, according to a speaker here.
“We have probably maximized what we can achieve from a mechanical standpoint. Biology is clearly going to be the next step for the future of rotator cuff surgery,” Nikhil N. Verma, MD, said at Orthopedics Today Hawaii 2015.
The occurrence of structural failure following rotator cuff repair ranges from 10% to 90%, depending on patient comorbidities, tear size, tissue quality, muscle atrophy and the chronicity of the tears. Verma said the majority of published studies indicate better outcomes for intact rotator cuff repair.
Nikhil N. Verma
Questions remain as to what biologics are appropriate to use, as well as what methods of delivery to the repair site should be used and how to keep the biologics there once delivered, according to Verma. Preclinical data are not always translational, he said, and most available studies are of poor quality. Dose, frequency, cost and regulatory issues remain.
“Endpoints for study are difficult, particularly when we...
