Rotator cuff tears can have a significant impact on the daily lives of active individuals, including their ability to work, exercise, and enjoy hobbies. If physical therapy and rest haven’t brought relief, surgery might be the next step. While every surgery has risks, biologics like PRP and stem cells could support your body’s healing and improve surgical outcomes. Here’s how they’re making a difference.
Understanding Rotator Cuff Injuries and Surgery
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint and allow you to lift and rotate your arm. When these tendons are torn, either due to trauma or repetitive strain, it can result in weakness, limited range of motion, and persistent pain.
Rotator cuff surgery aims to reattach the torn tendon to the bone. While the procedure is often successful, healing can be slow, especially in older patients or those with poor tissue quality. This is where biologics come into play.
Biologics in Shoulder Surgery
Biologics refer to natural substances used to support tissue healing and regeneration. Two commonly used types in orthopedic surgery are:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Derived from the patient’s own blood, PRP is rich in growth factors that can reduce inflammation and stimulate healing.
- Stem Cells: These cells, often harvested from bone marrow or fat tissue, have the unique ability to differentiate into various types of cells, potentially aiding in tendon regeneration.
Can PRP or Stem Cells Improve Surgical Outcomes?
Emerging research suggests that biologics may support healing after rotator cuff repair by improving tendon-to-bone integration and reducing the risk of re-tears. PRP, in particular, has shown promise in accelerating early recovery and decreasing post-operative pain.1 Stem cell treatments are also gaining attention for their regenerative potential.2 However, results can vary based on the patient’s age, injury severity, and overall health.
Is Biologic-Augmented Surgery Right for You?
Not every rotator cuff tear requires biologic augmentation, but in certain cases, these advanced therapies can offer significant benefits. PRP or stem cells may be recommended for large or complex tears that are more difficult to heal, as well as for revision surgeries where a previous repair has failed. They may also be used in patients with poor tendon or bone quality, where healing is typically more challenging. Biologics may also be considered for individuals who are looking to potentially speed up their recovery or achieve a more robust, long-term repair.
If you're considering rotator cuff surgery, consult with Dr. Shah about the possibility of using PRP or stem cells as part of your treatment. These advanced techniques may offer you a faster recovery and a stronger, more reliable repair.
AUTHOR: Dr. Anup Shah is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Sports Medicine Orthopedic surgeon specializing in Knee and Shoulder Surgery in Phoenix, Arizona at Banner Health. Dr. Shah uses a patient-centric and evidence-based approach to help his patients achieve their desired goals.
