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Persistently high failure rates that are reported after rotator cuff repairs have encouraged greater understanding of the pathophysiology that underlies rotator cuff tears. Biologic changes that contribute to the pathogenesis of rotator cuff tears and tendinopathies, as well as adaptation after these changes, have been well described. A subset of patients with a genetic predisposition to early onset of rotator cuff tears and earlier symptom and disease progression have been identified. Many biologic changes occurring at the gene level have been identified. Pathways that are believed to contribute to rotator cuff tendinopathies include extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, changes in metabolism, apoptosis, and stress-related genes. Metaplasia of rotator cuff cells is contributed to by changes in gene expression. Modification of these gene changes may be possible through mechanical loading, drugs, or cellular manipulation. Gene changes may offer greater insight into why certain tears fail to heal and help to identify therapeutic targets.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.jse.2011.10.022

Type

Journal article

Journal

J shoulder elbow surg

Publication Date

02/2012

Volume

21

Pages

191 - 199

Keywords

Extracellular Matrix, Gene Expression Regulation, Genetic Predisposition to Disease, Humans, Needs Assessment, Risk Assessment, Rotator Cuff, Rotator Cuff Injuries, Tendinopathy, Tendon Injuries, Wound Healing