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Rotator Cuff Biology and Biomechanics: a Review of Normal and Pathological Conditions

  • Osteoarthritis (MB Goldring, Section Editor)
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Abstract

The glenohumeral joint is a complex anatomic structure commonly affected by injury such as tendinopathy and rotator cuff tears. This review presents an up-to-date overview of research on tendon biology and structure, shoulder joint motion and stability, tendon healing, and current and potential future repair strategies. Recent studies have provided information demonstrating the serious impact on uninjured tissues after a rotator cuff tear or other cause of altered shoulder joint mechanics. Another major focus of recent research is biological augmentation of rotator cuff repair with the goal of successfully reinstating normal tendon-to-bone structure. To effectively treat shoulder pathologies, clinicians need to understand normal tendon biology, the healing process and environment, and whole shoulder stability and function.

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Conflict of Interest

Julianne Huegel and Alexis A. Williams declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Louis J. Soslowsky declares the receipt of grants from DJO, Orthofix, and Amniox, outside of the submitted work.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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  1. McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, 424 Stemmler Hall 3450 Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Julianne Huegel, Alexis A. Williams & Louis J. Soslowsky

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  1. Julianne Huegel
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Correspondence to Louis J. Soslowsky.

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Huegel, J., Williams, A.A. & Soslowsky, L.J. Rotator Cuff Biology and Biomechanics: a Review of Normal and Pathological Conditions. Curr Rheumatol Rep 17, 476 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-014-0476-x

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