Actively Recruiting

Age: 18Years +
All Genders
ID06960343

Long Term Clinical Outcome After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Augmentation With Autologous Microfragmented Lipoaspirate Tissue: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Led by University of Milan · Updated on 2026-04-28

52

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

N/A

Total Duration

On this page

Sponsors

U

University of Milan

Lead Sponsor

I

International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine

Collaborating Sponsor

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the long-term safety and clinical effects of using autologous microfragmented lipoaspirate tissue during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. This study focuses on patients who had single-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and aims to assess whether adding this processed adipose tissue improves tendon healing and functional outcomes at least five years after surgery. The research builds on previous trials that showed short-term benefits and explores the potential of this biological approach to support tissue regeneration and reduce retear rates. Participants are grouped based on whether they received the arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with or without the injection of autologous microfragmented adipose tissue processed using an enzyme-free method. The adipose tissue is harvested and processed directly during surgery in a sterile environment, then immediately injected to potentially enhance healing. The study compares these two groups to evaluate differences in tendon integrity and shoulder function over time. At least five years after their surgery, all enrolled patients will undergo clinical evaluations including the Constant-Murley score, strength testing in shoulder movements, and questionnaires such as ASES, SST, and VAS to measure pain and shoulder function. They will also have an MRI scan to assess tendon healing and identify any retears. Researchers will compare clinical outcomes and imaging findings between groups, monitoring safety and effectiveness throughout the follow-up period to understand the long-term impact of this treatment approach.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

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

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • Age over 18 years
  • Full-thickness supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon tears classified as C1, C2, or C3
  • Candidates for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery
  • Provided informed consent to participate
  • Willing to participate for the full study duration
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Partial rotator cuff tendon tears (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3)
  • Massive rotator cuff tear (C4)
  • Subscapularis tendon tear grade III or higher
  • Shoulder instability (anterior, posterior, or multidirectional)
  • Need for repair of biceps anchor SLAP lesion
  • Severe muscle atrophy of supraspinatus or infraspinatus (grade III or IV)
  • Recent intra-articular injections within 3 months before surgery
  • Medical conditions preventing shoulder surgery
  • Local or systemic infections, osteomyelitis, or sepsis
  • Diabetes, untreated thyroid disease, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis
  • Immunodeficiency or severe coagulation disorders
  • Severe cardiovascular disease or recent stroke/acute event
  • Significant unexplained weight loss
  • Eating disorders or body dysmorphic disorder
  • Varices, phlebitis, or scars near fat harvest site
  • Alcohol/drug addiction or psychiatric illness affecting protocol compliance
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Lack of informed consent

AI-Screening

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Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Long-term Monitoring

Duration - At least 5 years after surgery

Participants who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery 5 years ago are observed to assess the long-term clinical outcomes.

1 visit for clinical evaluation and MRI

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

ASST Gaetano Pini-CTO

Milan, Italy, Italy, 20122

Actively Recruiting

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Research Team

A

Alessandra Menon, PhD

How is the study designed?

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Masking

N/A

Allocation

N/A

Model

N/A

Primary Purpose

N/A

Number of Arms

2

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Published Research Related To This Trial

Autologous microfragmented adipose tissue reduces inflammatory and catabolic markers in supraspinatus tendon cells derived from patients affected by rotator cuff tears.

Marco Viganò, Gaia Lugano, Carlotta Perucca Orfei...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32642826

Repair integrity and functional outcome after arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair. A prospective outcome study.

Hiroyuki Sugaya, Kazuhiko Maeda, Keisuke Matsuki...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17473131

Lipogems Product Treatment Increases the Proliferation Rate of Human Tendon Stem Cells without Affecting Their Stemness and Differentiation Capability.

Pietro Randelli, Alessandra Menon, Vincenza Ragone...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27057170

Mesenchymal stem cells reduce inflammation while enhancing bacterial clearance and improving survival in sepsis.

Shirley H J Mei, Jack J Haitsma, Claudia C Dos Santos...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20558630

Antibacterial effect of human mesenchymal stem cells is mediated in part from secretion of the antimicrobial peptide LL-37.

Anna Krasnodembskaya, Yuanlin Song, Xiaohui Fang...

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20945332