Current Biological Approach to Improve Rotator Cuff Muscle Quality
10.4055/jkoa.2026.61.1.22
- Author:
Sung-Jin PARK
1
;
Jong Pil YOON
;
Seok Won CHUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Korea
- Publication Type:Review
- From:The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
2026;61(1):22-37
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Rotator cuff (RC) injuries cause degenerative changes, including muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration, which remain key pathophysiological factors limiting functional recovery and increasing the risk of re-tears even after surgical repair. In particular, these changes tend to progress to fibrofatty replacement over time, highlighting the limitations of surgery-focused treatments alone. Recent research has addressed this by increasingly focusing on biological therapeutic strategies that directly target the degenerative pathology of the RC muscle. This review article examines the current trends in preclinical and clinical research on three main biological approaches: stem cell-based tissue regeneration, modulation of pathological signaling pathways, and metabolic reprogramming strategies that restore the pathological metabolic environment. Building upon these pathophysiological foundations, this review aims to develop recent biological treatment strategies and explore their potential clinical applications.
