Condition

Rotator Cuff

Used as an adjunct during shoulder tendon repair in some studies.

Level C· Early Human Research

Quick summary

  • Main outcomes are re-tear rate and function scores

Overview

Rotator cuff tears have a notable post-surgical re-tear rate, motivating cell-augmentation research.

Mechanisms studied

Studied at the tendon-to-bone healing interface.

Human research

Some cohort studies report lower re-tear rates, but confirmation is needed.

Safety

Reported adverse events are mostly local — swelling, pain, or bruising at the harvest and injection sites. Infection and cell-processing quality remain the key risks to monitor.

Evidence limitations

Existing studies are limited by sample size, methodology, and follow-up, and SVF preparation differs substantially between centres, making cross-study comparison difficult.

Last updated: 2026-06-18 · arisa-w