Allogenic Umbilical Cord Tissue for Rotator Cuff Injuries

Highly prone to injury, the rotator cuff greatly contributes to the stability and mobility of the shoulder. Clinicians prioritize conservative treatment, resorting to surgery only when necessary, although they are hindered by inherent limitations. Biological therapies, including perinatal tissue, such as umbilical cord (UC) tissue, hold promise for treating rotator cuff injuries (RCIs) in the field of regenerative medicine. This article qualitatively presents the in vitro, preclinical, clinical, and ongoing scientific literature exploring the application of UC tissue and associated mesenchymal stem cells in the context of RCIs. Employing the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses” guidelines, a systematic review was conducted. These studies have presented substantial evidence indicating that UC tissue and UC-derived mesenchymal stem cells are safe and potentially efficacious for managing RCIs, though more adequately powered randomized controlled trials are warranted to further establish efficacy and justify clinical use.