Dr. Cunningham is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopedics & Neurosurgery, with a clinical emphasis on innovative treatments of the shoulder. Not infrequently, Dr. Cunningham is asked about the Regeneten Bioinductive Implant® and whether they would be candidate for this when repairing their rotator cuff tear.

What Regeneten Bioinductive Implant®?

The Regeneten implant is composed of bovine collagen. The manufacturer suggests that it may promote the development of new tissue within a damaged rotator cuff. It has been used by surgeons to treat partial and full rotator cuff tears.

Indications for Treatment

Possible candidates are patients with a rotator cuff tear who require repair and whose tendon tissue is particularly thin and degenerative. In these cases, where there is compromised tissue quality, adding a Regeneten implant to augment a repaired tendon may allow for improved tendon healing.

Patient Experience

Pre-Surgery:

• Comprehensive Evaluation: A thorough examination assesses the extent of the rotator cuff tear, and determines the suitability of the procedure.
• Discussion and Education: Benefits, risks, and expectations are reviewed to support a well-informed decision.
• Customized Treatment Plan: A tailored treatment plan to address patient needs and injury characteristics is formulated.

Surgery and Recovery:

• Minimally Invasive: Small incisions to access the affected area. The rotator cuff tendon tear is secured back to bone using bone anchors and suture material. A Regeneten Implant may then be sutured onto the top of the repaired tendon if warranted
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy and exercises for range of motion, and later strengthening and a return to function.

Benefits and Results

The regenerative bioinductive implant procedure offers several possible benefits:

• Minimally Invasive: Small incisions, reduced scarring, minimal tissue disruption.
• Fast Recovery: Patients resume activities sooner compared to open surgery.
• Enhanced Healing: The implant may stimulate the body’s natural healing and growth of healthy tissue.
• Improved Shoulder Function: Increased range of motion, reduced pain, and improved shoulder strength.

Possible Complications

There have been some reports of stiffness following the use of Regeneten Implant when used to augment an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. For this reason, Dr. Cunningham is selective on the usage of this augment. Most rotator cuff repairs will heal and do well without this implant but if the tissue is particularly degenerative or inflamed, augmenting one’s rotator cuff repair with this implant may be indicated.

As a highly experienced shoulder surgeon, with a deep understanding of shoulder anatomy, I am passionate about providing my patients with the latest technology. My surgical care team and I are committed to each patient’s unique needs. If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, don’t hesitate to request a consultation with me.