Current Perspectives on Rotator Cuff Disease

Abstract

Rotator cuff (RC) disease, defined as any pathological state of the rotator cuff, is one of the most common shoulder conditions worldwide. It accounts for 70% of shoulder pain and dysfunction in adults and is the third most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder. Currently, the main issue with rotator cuff disease is that surgery represents the most common treatment performed. However, rotator cuff surgeries have a high failure rate positively correlated with the severity of the tear, and a high re-tear rate. This review will focus on the current research perspectives of rotator cuff repairs as well as new advances in the field. Current research is shifting its focus to target the healing and tendon repair process in an aim to decrease the failure rates. The bulk of research right now is within biologic methods based on growth factors, repair scaffolds, and stem cells that promote healing. Among this, researchers are continuously trying to improve surgical techniques. The complement of both methods should pave the way for much more effective, longer-lasting rotator cuff repairs.