Fatty Infiltration Does Not Progress After Rotator Cuff Repair in a Rabbit Model

L. Joseph Rubino, Dominic C. Sprott, Harold F. Stills, Lynn A. Crosby

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the changes in fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff after it is repaired. Methods: The supraspinatus muscle was unilaterally detached from the greater tuberosity in 15 New Zealand white rabbits. Six weeks after muscle detachment, 5 rabbits were killed to halt the process of fatty infiltration and 10 rabbits underwent primary repair of the rotator cuff. Six months after repair, the remaining 10 rabbits were killed, and the muscle specimens were examined microscopically to evaluate the muscle with respect to fatty infiltration. Results: Fatty infiltration was evident 6 weeks after detachment of the supraspinatus tendon (P = .0012, analysis of variance). This infiltration was greatest at the musculotendinous junction (P = .0005) and decreased toward the muscle origin (P = .29). Six months after repair of the supraspinatus, there was no progression of fatty infiltration in the repaired muscle as compared with the controls (P = .3). Conclusions: Fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff in this animal model occurs as early as 6 weeks after a rotator cuff tear. After repair of the rotator cuff, the process of fatty infiltration does not progress any further. The changes that take place in this rabbit model in the first 6 weeks after a rotator cuff tear appear to be irreversible even with successful rotator cuff repair. Clinical Relevance: The presence of fatty infiltration of a torn rotator cuff does not preclude a successful repair. The repair can prevent further progression and atrophy of the rotator cuff, but the changes that appear in the muscle as early as 6 weeks after a rotator cuff tear appear to be irreversible.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)936-940
Number of pages5
JournalArthroscopy - Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery
Volume24
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2008
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fatty degeneration
  • Fatty infiltration
  • Rotator cuff repair
  • Rotator cuff tear
  • Shoulder

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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