Riassunto dello studio

Eighty patients with full thickness rotator cuff tears scheduled to undergo an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomized to receive an injection of atelocollagen plus hyaluronic acid (n=28), hyaluronic acid only (n=26) or no injection (n=26) after the completion of the rotator cuff repair. Outcomes of interest included pain and function on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, range of motion (forward elevation; external rotation on the side; internal rotation at the back; abduction), the rate of retear, and the number of steroid injections. Clinical outcomes were assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months post-operation. Results revealed no significant differences in all outcomes among the three groups. However, the rate of retear and the number of steroid injections at 3 months was significantly different among the three groups, with the lowest rates being observed in the combination group.