Shoulder Allograft Augmentation and Superior Capsular Reconstruction for Massive Rotator Cuff Tear

What is Allograft Augmentation for Rotator Cuff Tears?

In the event of a massive rotator cuff tear that is not repairable, your surgeon may decide to place a graft of either allograft (cadaver) or autograft (your own) tissue.
Augmentation: The graft may be sutured on top of the repaired tendon to augment the repair and provide additional strength.
- Outcome Study: Hommen JP et al. Histologic Evaluation of Biopsy Specimens Obtained After Rotator Cuff Repair Augmented with a Highly Porous Collagen Implant.
Interposition: The graft may also be sutured to the end of the retracted tendon and then to the bone to act as a bridge. This restores the rotator cuff muscle attachment back to the bone. This is performed if the tendon has significant retraction and cannot be sutured directly to bone.
If your tear is large, severely retracted, ask your physician if you are a candidate for this surgery.
Hommen performs this surgical procedure.

Indicated for younger patients with a massive and retracted rotator cuff tear with significant muscle atrophy that is deemed not repairable.
Indicated for patients who are not ideal candidates for a shoulder replacement surgery with a hemiarthroplasty or reverse shoulder replacement implants.
Involves the use of allograft or autograft tissue sutured from the humeral tuberosity rotator cuff attachment site to the superior glenoid rim.
Acts as an internal humeral head depressor, thereby stabilizing the humeral head within the socket and preventing anterior or superior shoulder escape.
To see if you are a candidate for a superior capsule reconstruction, ask your physician.
Hommen performs this surgical procedure.