Application of a demineralized cortical bone matrix and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a model of chronic rotator cuff degeneration

Tanujan Thangarajah, Anita Sanghani-Kerai, Frederick Henshaw, Simon M Lambert, Catherine J Pendegrass, Gordon W Blunn

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Background - The success of rotator cuff repair is primarily dependent on tendon-bone healing. Failure is common because weak scar tissue replaces the native enthesis, rendering it prone to reruptures. A demineralized bone matrix (DBM) consists of a network of collagen fibers that provide a sustained release of growth factors such as bone morphogenetic proteins. Previous studies have demonstrated that it can regenerate a fibrocartilaginous enthesis.

    Hypothesis - The use of a DBM and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at the healing enthesis will result in a higher bone mineral density at the tendon insertion and will enhance the regeneration of a morphologically superior enthesis when compared with an acellular human dermal matrix.

    Study Design - Controlled laboratory study.

    Methods - Eighteen female Wistar rats underwent unilateral detachment of the supraspinatus tendon. Three weeks later, tendon repair was carried out in animals randomized into 3 groups: group 1 received augmentation of the repair with a cortical allogenic DBM (n = 6); group 2 received augmentation with a nonmeshed, ultrathick, acellular human dermal matrix (n = 6); and group 3 underwent tendon-bone repair without a scaffold (n = 6). All animals received 1 × 106 MSCs delivered in fibrin glue to the repair site. Specimens were retrieved at 6 weeks postoperatively for histological analysis and the evaluation of bone mineral density.

    Results - All groups demonstrated closure of the tendon-bone gap with a fibrocartilaginous enthesis. Although there were no significant differences in the enthesis maturation and modified Movin scores, repair augmented with a dermal matrix + MSCs exhibited a disorganized enthesis, abnormal collagen fiber arrangement, and greater cellularity compared with other MSC groups. Only repairs augmented with a DBM + MSCs reached a bone mineral density not significantly lower than nonoperated controls.

    Conclusion - A DBM enhanced with MSCs can augment rotator cuff healing at 6 weeks and restore bone mineral density at the enthesis to its preinjury levels.

    Clinical Relevance - Biological augmentation of rotator cuff repair with a DBM and MSCs may reduce the incidence of retears, although further studies are required to determine its effectiveness.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)98-108
    Number of pages11
    JournalThe American Journal of Sports Medicine
    Volume46
    Issue number1
    Early online date26 Sept 2017
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Jan 2018

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