Tissue Engineering Approaches to Rotator Cuff Tendon Deficiency

Tissue engineering is an emerging scientific approach that may offer alternative pathways for managing tissue degeneration. The use of cellular and acellular matrix in combination with cells and/or growth factors is one approach currently being explored in the management of rotator cuff disease. Interestingly, the integration of gene therapy with this technique introduces a new dimension to treatment options. The scope of this article is to present an overview of the current tissue engineering in vivo methods being clinically investigated in rotator cuff disease.