Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with biologically enhanced patch augmentation

The purpose of this guide is to illustrate an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) with two techniques for biologically enhanced patch augmentation.

Massive rotator cuff tears (> 5 cm) and revision RCR.

Active joint or systemic infection; severe fatty muscle atrophy; severe glenohumeral arthropathy; American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA PS) IV.

Dermal allograft patch augmented with concentrated bone marrow aspirate (cBMA), platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP); or Regeneten patch augmented with bursa, PRP, PPP, and autologous thrombin.

A 30° abduction sling for 6 weeks; unrestricted active-assisted external rotation and forward elevation after 12 weeks; focus on restoration of scapular stability and strength.

A total of 22 patients received revision massive RCR using a dermal allograft patch enhanced with cBMA and PRP with a mean follow-up of 2.5 years (1.0–5.8 years). There was a significant improvement in the preoperative Simple Shoulder Test (SST). There was also a trend towards improved pain and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Shoulder Score. In this cohort, 45% reached the minimal clinically important difference (MCID), 41% achieved substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and 32% had a patient-acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) for the ASES score. Preliminary data using the Regeneten patch technique with bursa, PRP, PPP, and autologous thrombin was prospectively collected in five patients between 05/2020 and 03/2021 at the author’s institution. Mean follow-up was 6.5 ± 1.3 (6–8 months). There was an improvement from preop to postop in pain, ASES, SANE, Constant–Murley (CM) score and active range of motion.