Biologic and Synthetic Augmentation in Rotator Cuff Repair: Emerging Technologies.

J Bone Joint Surg Am · Oct 05 2026 · Recent

Boufadel P, Daher M, Satalich JR, Su F, Lindsay A, Khan AZ, et al.

Division of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Shoulder & Elbow Sports Medicine

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONReview of rotator cuff repair augmentation: xenografts are no longer favored, allografts and synthetics are of uncertain benefit, and bioinductive collagen implants have the strongest evidence, with biceps autograft a cost-effective option.
Abstract, as published

➢ Biologic and synthetic augmentation grafts have been developed to enhance both the mechanical integrity of rotator cuff repairs and the biologic healing at the tendon-bone interface, particularly in the setting of compromised tissue quality.➢ Xenograft augmentation is no longer favored because of inconsistent clinical outcomes, inflammatory responses, and a lack of supportive high-quality evidence.➢ Allograft and synthetic graft augmentation may provide benefit in selected cases; however, optimal indications, implant selection, and long-term outcomes remain incompletely defined.➢ Bioinductive collagen implants currently demonstrate the highest level of clinical evidence, with Level-I studies supporting improved structural healing and reduced retear rates in appropriately selected patients.➢ The long head of the biceps tendon autograft represents a viable, cost-effective biologic augmentation option when available, providing favorable biologic compatibility and surgical versatility.

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