Augmentation of a rotator cuff tendon repair using a bioinductive biocomposite scaffold in an ovine infraspinatus model

This study demonstrated the collagen-PLLA biocomposite scaffold increased the thickness of a repaired rotator cuff tendon through the rapid induction of host-generated connective tissue at all time points. Histology confirmed the bioinductivity of organized fibrous tissue within, above, and below the scaffold. Progressive healing and maturation of the enthesis was observed with MRI and histology out to 52 weeks, without any adverse reactions. The combination of biologic healing and mechanical reinforcement in a single implant provides an exciting solution for rotator cuff augmentation.