Emerging treatments
Graft augmentation
Augmentation of large to massive rotator cuff repairs with adjunctive human dermal allografts has been associated with superior functional and structural outcome compared with conventional repair. In addition, synthetic or xenograft collagen patches may confer some benefit in minimising tear recurrence.[89] This may be performed arthroscopically or with a mini-open approach.[90][91][92]
High-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy and ultrasound-guided needling
One systematic review found that these therapies are associated with good clinical outcomes, with no long-term complications or severe adverse effects reported.[93] However, a subsequent Cochrane review reported very few clinically important benefits of shockwave therapy for patients with rotator cuff disease.[94]
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Kinesio taping
An elastic adhesive taping (without an active pharmacological agent) used for the rehabilitation treatment of painful conditions. One systematic review reported uncertain effects compared with sham taping, concluding that evidence for kinesio taping in rotator cuff disease efficacy suggests little or no benefit.[95]
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