Stem Cell Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

An Overview on Stem Cell Rotator Cuff Repair

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body and thus, is prone to injuries. The rotator cuff plays an important role in shoulder function. The complex structure allows overhead arm movements and provides strength and stability to the joint. Many patients in the Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Ventura, California communities who have experienced a tear of the rotator cuff will require treatment from a shoulder specialist, such as Dr. Jervis Yau. Dr. Yau offers stem cell therapy (more accurately mesenchymal signaling cell therapy), for partial rotator cuff tears to facilitate its repair.

What is Stem Cell Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears?

Composed of four muscle-tendon units that attach the shoulder blade to the humerus, the rotator cuff is responsible for providing strength and stability to the joint. It also allows for overhead movements of the arm. When these muscle-tendon units tear, patients report pain, weakness and loss of mobility and function.

In the setting of partial rotator cuff tears, stem cell therapy may be recommended by Dr. Yau. A stem cell rotator cuff repair utilizes a patient’s own mesenchymal adult stem cells (MSCs) to help accelerate healing and promote tissue regeneration.

How is Stem Cell Rotator Cuff Repair Performed?

A stem cell-derived (MSC) rotator cuff repair requires a small sample of a patient’s own bone marrow, most commonly extracted from the hip region. After the bone marrow sample is harvested by Dr. Yau, it will be spun down in a centrifuge to separate the adult stem cells, platelets, red and white blood cells. The concentrated preparation is then injected directly into the rotator cuff tear.

It is important to note patients over the age of 65 may achieve better results using allograft (donor) tissues. This is because the human body may have less viable stem cells as the body ages.

Patients undergoing autologous stem cell therapy for rotator cuff tears should not be concerned with the ethical considerations associated with embryonic and fetal stem cells. Since this form of regenerative medicine uses a patient’s own adult stem cells, the risk of immune rejection, infection and disease transmission is eliminated.

If you live in the Santa Barbara, Goleta, Santa Maria and Ventura, California area and would like additional information on stem cell (MSC) rotator cuff repair, please contact the office of Dr. Jervis Yau, shoulder specialist. He will be able to answer any questions or concerns you may have about stem cell therapy for rotator cuff tears.