Returning to overuse activity following a supraspinatus and infraspinatus tear leads to joint damage in a rat model

Katherine E. Reuther, Stephen J. Thomas, Elisabeth F. Evans, Jennica J. Tucker, Joseph J. Sarver, Sarah Ilkhani-Pour, Chancellor F. Gray, Pramod B. Voleti, David L. Glaser, Louis J. Soslowsky

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Large rotator cuff tears (supraspinatus and infraspinatus) are common in patients who perform overhead activities (laborers, athletes). In addition, following large cuff tears, these patients commonly attempt to return to pre-injury activity levels. However, there is a limited understanding of the damaging effects on the uninjured joint tissues when doing so. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of returning to overuse activity following a supraspinatus and infraspinatus tear on shoulder function and the structural and biological properties of the intact tendons and glenoid cartilage. Forty rats underwent 4 weeks of overuse followed by detachment of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons and were then randomized into two groups: return to overuse or cage activity. Ambulatory measurements were performed over time and structural and biological properties of the adjacent tendons and cartilage were evaluated. Results demonstrated that animals returning to overuse activity did not have altered shoulder function but despite this, did have altered cartilage and tendon properties. These mechanical changes corresponded to altered transcriptional regulation of chondrogenic genes within cartilage and tendon. This study helps define the mechanical and biological mechanisms leading to joint damage and provides a framework for treating active cuff tear patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1818-1824
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Biomechanics
Volume46
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 26 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Animal model
  • Chondrogenic phenotype
  • Overuse injury
  • Rotator cuff

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Rehabilitation

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