Long Term Clinical Outcome After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Augmentation With Autologous Microfragmented Lipoaspirate Tissue

NCT06960343 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: Lipotendon_LongFu
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 52
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Specific Aims : The aim of this prospective randomized controlled single-blind clinical trial was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of autologous microfragmented lipoaspirate tissue in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The primary goal of this study was to test the following hypothesis: an intraoperative injection of autologous microfragmented adipose tissue processed with an enzyme-free technology could improve the clinical outcomes of single-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in terms of points in the Constant-Murley score (CMS) collected at least 5 years after surgery. Background and Significance: Rotator cuff surgery was initially proposed at the end of the 19th century and evolved then from open to arthroscopic techniques, rising quickly from a minor niche to a fully recognized subspecialty. To improve clinical and functional results and reduce the retear rate, new fixation techniques and biological solutions to enhance tendon healing are being developed at a fast pace, as shown by the dramatic increase in the number of articles published per year. Biological solutions to enhance rotator cuff healing include growth factors and platelet-rich plasma, as well as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their derivatives. MSCs are believed to enhance tissue healing mainly through stimulation of local cells via paracrine mechanisms and anti-inflammatory and/or immunomodulatory activity, thus creating a suitable microenvironment for tissue repair. Autologous microfragmented lipoaspirate tissue has been recently introduced in orthopaedics as an easily available source of adipose derived MSCs (ADSCs) to support and accelerate tissue regeneration. Lipoaspirates contain human ADSCs and produce growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor beta, and vascular endothelial growth factor, which play important regulatory roles in cellular functions, including adhesion, chemotaxis, proliferation, migration, matrix synthesis, differentiation, and angiogenesis. Herewith, autologous microfragmented lipoaspirate tissue is expected to optimize the microenvironment for tendon regeneration. Among many approaches, devices relying on nonenzymatic methods and avoiding the use of additives and other additional manipulations (eg, centrifugation) allow one to harvest, process, and obtain autologous microfragmented lipoaspirate tissue directly in the operative theatre under sterile conditions. This permits immediate use in the same surgical intervention without delays owing to the difficulty of an ex vivo cell expansion and the complexity of the current good manufacturing practice requirements for preparing cells for therapeutic use. Although several animal studies have been published showing promising results for the use of ADSCs in enhancing the healing of rotator cuff tears, minimal evidence describing augmentation of rotator cuff treatment with lipoaspirate. Preliminary Studies/Progress Report: This study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial and represents the final follow-up of an our previous study with short follow-up (2 years). The previous study demonstrated that the intraoperative injection of autologous microfragmented adipose tissue is safe and effective in improving short-term clinical and functional results after single-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Nevertheless, no significant differences emerged between the groups in terms of rerupture rate, complication rate, number of adverse events, and mid-term clinical outcomes. A previous in vitro study showed that autologous microfragmented adipose tissue significantly increases the proliferation rate of human tendon stem cells without altering their stemness and differentiation capability. Moreover, treated cells increase the expression of VEGF, which is crucial for the neovascularization of the tissue during the healing process. Research Design and Method: At least 5 years after surgery, all enrolled patients in the previous study will be call again and will be asked to complete the ASES, SST, and VAS questionnaire and they will undergo a clinical examination, including the CMS and measurement of isometric strength in shoulder forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation. All strength measures will be performed in triplicate with a dynamometer. During the same assessment day, the patients would be evaluated with MRI of the operated shoulder in order to assess tendon integrity and calculate rerupture rate according to the classification proposed by Sugaya (types IV and V defined as retears). Atrophy of the supraspinatus muscle belly was evaluated according to Warner and fatty degeneration was classified according to Fuchs.

Conditions

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair; Augmentation; Microfragmented Adipose Tissue

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Comparison between the two groups of the incidence of retears at least 5 years after surgery

  The primary goal of this study is to evaluate the long-term effecacy of the use of autologous microfragmented adipose tissue in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, in terms of estimating the incidence of retears at least 5 years after surgery, as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

  5 years

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Comparison of the Constant-Murley score (CMS) between the two groups at least 5 years after surgery.

  5 years

• Comparison between the two groups of the difference in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score at least 5 years after surgery.

  5 years

• Comparison between the two groups of abduction and external rotation strength at least 5 years after surgery.

  5 years

• Comparison of the ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score) and SST (Simple Shoulder Test) between the two groups at least 5 years after surgery.

  5 years

• Comparison between the two groups of the progression of supraspinatus fatty degeneration at least 5 years after surgery

  5 years

Study Arms (2)

Treatment group

Cohort of patients that receved a single-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, followed by intraoperative injection of autologous microfragmented adipose tissue processed with an enzyme-free technology, 5 years ago in our previous trial (NCT02783352).

Procedure: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); Other: VAS, SST, ASES, CMS scores, and strength measurements in external rotation and abduction

Control group

Cohort of patients that received a single-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair alone, 5 years ago in our previous trial (NCT02783352).

Procedure: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); Other: VAS, SST, ASES, CMS scores, and strength measurements in external rotation and abduction

Interventions

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) PROCEDURE

All enrolled patients will be contacted again at a minimum follow-up of 5 years, and an MRI of the operated shoulder will also be performed.

Control group; Treatment group

VAS, SST, ASES, CMS scores, and strength measurements in external rotation and abduction OTHER

All enrolled patients will be contacted again at a minimum follow-up of 5 years, and a clinical evaluation will be performed using the following measurements and scores: VAS, SST, ASES, CMS scores, and strength measurements in external rotation and abduction.

Control group; Treatment group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Probability Sample

Study Population

This study is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial and represents the final follow-up of an our previous study with short follow-up (2 years). At least 5 years after surgery, all enrolled patients in the previous study will be call again and will be asked to complete the ASES, SST, and VAS questionnaire and they will undergo a clinical examination, including the CMS and measurement of isometric strength in shoulder forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation. All strength measures will be performed in triplicate with a dynamometer. During the same assessment day, the patients would be evaluated with MRI of the operated shoulder in order to assess tendon integrity and calculate rerupture rate according to the classification proposed by Sugaya (types IV and V defined as retears). Atrophy of the supraspinatus muscle belly was evaluated according to Warner and fatty degeneration was classified according to Fuchs.

You may qualify if:

• Age \> 18 years
• Full-thickness supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon tears (C1, C2, and C3 according to the SCOI classification)
• Indication for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
• Informed consent to participate in the study
• Informed consent to participate for the duration of the study

You may not qualify if:

• Partial rotator cuff tendon tears (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, and B3 according to the SCOI classification)
• Massive rotator cuff tear (C4 according to the SCOI classification)
• Subscapularis tendon tear (grade III, IV, or IV according to Lafosse classification)
• Associated anterior, posterior, or multidirectional shoulder instability
• Indication for repair of a SLAP lesion of the biceps anchor
• Grade III or IV muscle atrophy of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons (according to Goutallier or Fuchs classification)
• Intra-articular hyaluronic acid or corticosteroid infiltration within 3 mo from the planned surgical procedure
• Medical comorbidities contraindicating arthroscopic shoulder surgery
• Local (shoulder, abdominal region, gluteal region) or systemic infection, osteomyelitis, or sepsis
• Diabetes mellitus, untreated thyroid disease, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis
• Immunodeficiency
• Chronic disorders involving coagulation, platelet aggregation, or severe coagulopathy
• Severe cardiovascular disease
• Stroke or acute cardiovascular event within 6 mo from the planned surgical procedure
• Weight loss for any cause .30 kg in 12 mo or .10 kg in 12 mo without a cause

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Milan: lead
• ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO: collaborator
• International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO

Milan, Italy, 20122, Italy

RECRUITING

Related Publications (15)

• Vigano M, Lugano G, Perucca Orfei C, Menon A, Ragni E, Colombini A, De Luca P, Randelli P, de Girolamo L. Autologous microfragmented adipose tissue reduces inflammatory and catabolic markers in supraspinatus tendon cells derived from patients affected by rotator cuff tears. Int Orthop. 2021 Feb;45(2):419-426. doi: 10.1007/s00264-020-04693-9. Epub 2020 Jul 8.

  PMID: 32642826 RESULT

• Fuchs B, Weishaupt D, Zanetti M, Hodler J, Gerber C. Fatty degeneration of the muscles of the rotator cuff: assessment by computed tomography versus magnetic resonance imaging. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1999 Nov-Dec;8(6):599-605. doi: 10.1016/s1058-2746(99)90097-6.

  PMID: 10633896 RESULT

• Warner JJ, Higgins L, Parsons IM 4th, Dowdy P. Diagnosis and treatment of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2001 Jan-Feb;10(1):37-46. doi: 10.1067/mse.2001.112022.

  PMID: 11182734 RESULT

• Sugaya H, Maeda K, Matsuki K, Moriishi J. Repair integrity and functional outcome after arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair. A prospective outcome study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007 May;89(5):953-60. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.F.00512.

  PMID: 17473131 RESULT

• Randelli P, Menon A, Ragone V, Creo P, Bergante S, Randelli F, De Girolamo L, Alfieri Montrasio U, Banfi G, Cabitza P, Tettamanti G, Anastasia L. Lipogems Product Treatment Increases the Proliferation Rate of Human Tendon Stem Cells without Affecting Their Stemness and Differentiation Capability. Stem Cells Int. 2016;2016:4373410. doi: 10.1155/2016/4373410. Epub 2016 Jan 6.

  PMID: 27057170 RESULT

• Soleymaninejadian E, Pramanik K, Samadian E. Immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells: cytokines and factors. Am J Reprod Immunol. 2012 Jan;67(1):1-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2011.01069.x. Epub 2011 Sep 23.

  PMID: 21951555 RESULT

• Shi M, Liu ZW, Wang FS. Immunomodulatory properties and therapeutic application of mesenchymal stem cells. Clin Exp Immunol. 2011 Apr;164(1):1-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2011.04327.x. Epub 2011 Feb 24.

  PMID: 21352202 RESULT

• Schmitt A, van Griensven M, Imhoff AB, Buchmann S. Application of stem cells in orthopedics. Stem Cells Int. 2012;2012:394962. doi: 10.1155/2012/394962. Epub 2012 Feb 23.

  PMID: 22550505 RESULT

• Mei SH, Haitsma JJ, Dos Santos CC, Deng Y, Lai PF, Slutsky AS, Liles WC, Stewart DJ. Mesenchymal stem cells reduce inflammation while enhancing bacterial clearance and improving survival in sepsis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2010 Oct 15;182(8):1047-57. doi: 10.1164/rccm.201001-0010OC. Epub 2010 Jun 17.

  PMID: 20558630 RESULT

• Krasnodembskaya A, Song Y, Fang X, Gupta N, Serikov V, Lee JW, Matthay MA. Antibacterial effect of human mesenchymal stem cells is mediated in part from secretion of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37. Stem Cells. 2010 Dec;28(12):2229-38. doi: 10.1002/stem.544.

  PMID: 20945332 RESULT

• Gnecchi M, Zhang Z, Ni A, Dzau VJ. Paracrine mechanisms in adult stem cell signaling and therapy. Circ Res. 2008 Nov 21;103(11):1204-19. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.108.176826.

  PMID: 19028920 RESULT

• Angeline ME, Rodeo SA. Biologics in the management of rotator cuff surgery. Clin Sports Med. 2012 Oct;31(4):645-63. doi: 10.1016/j.csm.2012.07.003.

  PMID: 23040551 RESULT

• Randelli P, Randelli F, Ragone V, Menon A, D'Ambrosi R, Cucchi D, Cabitza P, Banfi G. Regenerative medicine in rotator cuff injuries. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:129515. doi: 10.1155/2014/129515. Epub 2014 Aug 13.

  PMID: 25184132 RESULT

• McElvany MD, McGoldrick E, Gee AO, Neradilek MB, Matsen FA 3rd. Rotator cuff repair: published evidence on factors associated with repair integrity and clinical outcome. Am J Sports Med. 2015 Feb;43(2):491-500. doi: 10.1177/0363546514529644. Epub 2014 Apr 21.

  PMID: 24753240 RESULT

• Randelli P, Cucchi D, Ragone V, de Girolamo L, Cabitza P, Randelli M. History of rotator cuff surgery. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2015 Feb;23(2):344-62. doi: 10.1007/s00167-014-3445-z. Epub 2014 Dec 2.

  PMID: 25448135 RESULT

MeSH Terms

Interventions

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Spectrum Analysis; Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; Investigative Techniques

Central Study Contacts

Alessandra Menon, PhD

CONTACT

+393498694424; ale.menon@me.com

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Prof., MD

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 16, 2025
• First Posted: May 7, 2025
• Study Start: April 11, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): October 11, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): October 11, 2026
• Last Updated: April 28, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Locations

IT (1)