Bioinductive Rotator Cuff Repair
Rotator cuff repair with bioinductive implant regeneten
Partial thickness rotator cuff tears are twice as common as full thickness tears and can lead to considerable pain and loss of function. Most are degenerative tears in people around the age of 60 and older. Tendon tissue degenerates with age and activity, eventually weakening and then tearing.
Additionally, 40% of rotator cuff tears are large or massive, and are challenging to treat. These massive tears are often complicated by structural failure, poor outcomes, and a high rate of recurrent tearing after surgical repair. In those cases, Dr. Ronak M. Patel will use innovative procedures to promote healing and healthy outcomes. The use of a new biological implant has shown high rates of tendon healing in patients with larger or massive tears.
Conservative management is often successful but when it fails to relieve symptoms and improve function, surgery is the only option. Although currently validated repair techniques can restore the tendon, failure to heal and recurrence remain an ongoing challenge. The main reason a tear reoccurs is the failure to heal poor quality tissue.
A new type of implant is now approved to repair partial thickness as well as large and massive tears. The goal is to facilitate tissue repair by augmenting healing with this collagen implant. Studies show that augmentation with this implant increases tendon thickness and quality and healing ability. A stronger tendon lasts longer.
Regenetenâ is a bioinductive type – 1 collagen implant used in the surgical treatment of torn rotator cuff tendons. Bioinductive implants augment natural healing and induce the formation of new tendon tissue over the surface of the torn tendon increasing its thickness and resistance to retearing. Studies show that this implant significantly improves function and tendon thickness without serious adverse events.
During arthroscopy, Dr. Patel visualizes the tear and examines it for tissue quality and thickness. The implant, about the size of a postage stamp, is inserted through a small incision and secured to the tendon and bone. The implant provides a layer of collagen over injured tendons. It goes to work supporting the body’s natural healing abilities. Over the course of about six months the implant is gradually absorbed by the body without harmful effects. The result is improved shoulder function even during early recovery, significant improvements in pain, and quality of life.
The Regeneten implant reduces strain on the native rotator cuff and induces healthy tissue growth. Studies report that the use of this implant to supplement partial and full thickness tears resulted in earlier discontinuation of a sling, faster return to work and superior function scores.
- minor arthroscopic surgical procedure to place the tiny implant
- safe
- harnesses the body’s own healing abilities
- faster recovery
- shorter rehabilitation
- slows or prevents tear progression
- heals partial and full thickness tears and reduces the risk of retearing.
For innovative solutions like bioinductive rotator cuff repair, shoulder surgeon Dr. Ronak Patel provides specialized care across Downers Grove, Hinsdale, Elmhurst, Western Springs, Naperville, and Munster. This technique promotes tissue growth to repair the rotator cuff effectively. Book a consultation to learn more.
At a Glance
Ronak M. Patel M.D.
- Double Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Past Team Physician to the Cavaliers (NBA), Browns (NFL) and Guardians (MLB)
- Published over 49 publications and 10 book chapters
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