Rotatorenmanschettenheilung: Biologische Grundlagen als Basis für die postoperative Rehabilitation

Background: Rotator cuff tears are associated with significant shoulder dysfunction and pain. Despite conservative management, many patients persistently have decreased quality of life warranting surgical repair as a more appropriate treatment option. Using new arthroscopic methods, a wider range of rotator cuff tears can be reconstructed using minimally invasive techniques. Methods: Biomechanical studies which focus on the repair or reconstruction of the rotator cuff in order to restore function have been published. However, the re-tear rate remains high. This is partially due to the complexity of tendon regeneration, which is largely described as a three-stage process consisting of inflammation, followed by reparation, and finally a remodeling phase. Despite investigation of the biological principles in tendon healing, the mechanism is not yet completely understood. The ability to recreate a native enthesis between tendon and bone after rotator cuff repair is the ideal treatment goal. In addition to surgical treatment, postoperative rehabilitation is also critical to achieve full shoulder function. The appropriate time to start rehabilitation and passive motion is still controversial. To begin immediately may lead to an improvement in range of motion as well as enhanced collagen synthesis by stimulating fibroblasts, while, initiating rehabilitation too soon could risk re-tear or result in inferior healing of the tendon. Conclusion: Biological augmentation may be an option to improve the healing process, therefore, allowing more rapid rehabilitation without compromising the repair. This article provides an overview of tendon healing principles as well as presumed enthesis stability during the healing process.