Biologic augmentation of rotator cuff repair

Rotator cuff repair is commonly performed to provide pain relief and improve shoulder function in patients with pain and disability related to cuff tears. However, re-tear rates following repair remain remarkably high in certain patient populations. Biologic strategies to reinforce repairs or augment tendon healing, such as extracellular matrices and platelet-rich plasma therapy, are an area of increased interest among orthopedic surgeons to improve these suboptimal healing rates. As more products have become commercially available, much attention has been turned to determining the optimal augmentation technique. However, data supporting the role and efficacy of these products is limited. Thus careful patient selection remains the most essential strategy for optimizing tendon healing potential following rotator cuff repair.