New shoulder implant eases torn tendon repairs
IN a groundbreaking step for South African medicine, the first shoulder rotator cuff repair operation using a new US-developed biological implant was recently performed in KwaZulu-Natal.
The procedure, using the Regeneten Bioinductive Implant, was carried out at the Busamed Gateway Private Hospital in uMhalanga by orthopaedic surgeon Dr Will Haynes.
Rotator cuff disease is a significant and costly problem that causes pain and limits patients’ mobility.
The disease is progressive, with small tears tending to grow in size and severity over time, eventually requiring surgery. Up to 80% of small tears increase in size within two years, and – left untreated – can progress to larger tears, which require surgery in over 40% of cases.
According to Haynes, the biological implant stimulates the body’s natural healing response to support new tendon growth and disrupt disease progression. It is derived from highlypurified bovine Achilles tendon, and facilitates the formation of new tendon-like tissue, reducing the peak strain at the site of the tear. It gradually absorbs within six months and leaves a layer of new tendon-like tissue to biologically augment the existing tendon.
“This technology can be used in earlier stages of rotator cuff disease to slow progression of the disease. Addressing the injury earlier can shorten recovery time, reduce pain and improve quality of life.
“The technology can also be used in conjunction with traditional repair procedures to improve the tendon biology and decrease the chance of your rotator cuff tendon re-tearing,” said Haynes.
Recovery is also rapid – an average of two to three days in a sling compared to 23 days from previous treatment protocols.
Busamed’s chief executive, Dr Diliza Mji, said: “Previously, surgeons have had limited ability to address rotator cuff injury at earlier stages of degeneration. In addition, traditional rotator cuff repair resulted in long rehabilitation, significant lifestyle interruption and variable outcomes.”