Histological examination of biopsy specimens from 115 patients with complete rotator cuff rupture revealed that the subacromial bursa is the main source of fibrovascular tissue for tendon repair.
Observational (n=115)
What is the histological role of the subacromial bursa in the repair of complete rotator cuff ruptures?
The subacromial bursa plays an important role in tendon reconstitution and remodelling, suggesting that extensive debridement and subtotal bursectomy should be avoided during rotator cuff repair.
We examined biopsy specimens obtained during surgery on 115 patients with complete rotator cuff rupture. The vascularised connective tissue covering the area of rupture and the proliferating cells in the fragmented tendons reflected more of the features of repair than of degeneration and necrosis. The main source of this fibrovascular tissue was the wall of the subacromial bursa. These features clearly indicated a vigorous reparative response which might play an important role in tendon reconstitution and remodelling. We therefore suggest that extensive debridement along with subtotal bursectomy, commonly practised during surgical repair of rotator cuff rupture, should be avoided. Although strong suture margins are essential for good operative results, debridement should be judicious and preserve as much as possible of the bursa and the associated fibrovascular tissue.
Uhthoff et al. (Wed,) conducted a observational in Complete rotator cuff rupture (n=115). Subacromial bursa tissue examination was evaluated on Histological features of repair vs degeneration. Histological examination of biopsy specimens from 115 patients with complete rotator cuff rupture revealed that the subacromial bursa is the main source of fibrovascular tissue for tendon repair.