Cell-Based Therapies for Rotator Cuff Injuries: An Updated Review of the Literature

Abstract

This review focuses on non-surgical treatment options for rotator cuff injuries and highlights the potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a potential regenerative approach. MSCs, sourced from various tissues like bone marrow and adipose tissue, exhibit promising mechanisms in vitro, influencing tendon-related gene expression and microenvironment modulation. Animal studies support this, showcasing MSCs’ ability to reduce inflammation, improve tissue remodeling, and enhance repaired tendon strength. Human trials, while varied and limited, suggest that MSCs might lower retear rates and enhance post-repair outcomes, but randomized controlled trials yield mixed results, emphasizing the necessity for standardized investigations. Ultimately, while cell-based therapies demonstrate an excellent safety profile, more rigorous clinical trials are necessary to determine their efficacy in improving patient outcomes and achieving lasting structural changes in rotator cuff injuries.