Exploring the biologics of rotator cuff injury and advancing repair
Date
2012-11-23
Authors
Macek, Bryce
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Abstract
Rotator cuff tears are a common problem associated with muscle atrophy and fatty
infiltration. These changes may be progressive and even irreversible despite
successful repair. A deeper understanding of the cellular processes contributing to
these degenerative changes is needed to predict outcomes. The objectives of the
present study are to: 1) characterize rotator cuff tears through clinical exam and
MRI, 2) compare muscle atrophy at the cellular level via muscle biopsy of torn
supraspinatus and deltoid, 3) determine if cuff tear size is related to clinical
variables. Ten patients with clinical and MRI evidence of a rotator cuff tear were
biopsied from supraspinatus and deltoid muscles during arthroscopy. Samples
were stained with hematoxylin and eosin to determine fiber diameter. Fiber
diameter of the deltoid muscle was greater than the supraspinatus (p<.OOl).
Distribution of fiber diameter of the supraspinatus and deltoid muscles did not
follow a normal distribution, which may indicate muscle atrophy. The deltoid
muscle of seven patients did follow a normal distribution compared to three
supraspinatus muscles. The results of this study suggest that the deltoid muscle is a
viable option to use as a control in microscopic studies of rotator cuff muscles.
When combined with the other phases of this research project the results of this
study have the potential to provide insight into the mechanisms responsible for
muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration in shoulder injury. This information can be
used to guide new treatments and increase the effectiveness of current interventions.
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Medicine