Riassunto dello studio

Sixty patients with small/medium full-thickness supraspinatus tears (≤2.5 cm) and intact rotator cables were randomized to receive either isolated bioinductive repair (IBR, n=30) or conventional sutured repair (n=30). The primary outcome was histologic tendon quality at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included tendon healing (via MRI), tendon thickness, pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, Constant-Murley Shoulder (CMS) scores, satisfaction, and return-to-work times assessed at 6, 12, and 24 months. Overall, the results revealed significantly better tendon quality in the IBR group. MRI showed a greater increase in tendon thickness at 6 months in the IBR group, with 100% healing by 12 months. Patient-reported outcomes (ASES, CMS scores) and satisfaction were consistently higher in the IBR group, alongside a significantly faster return to work. The study concludes that IBR provides superior healing, improved outcomes, and faster rehabilitation compared to sutured repair.