[Sports Seoul | Reporter Hong Seong-hyo]
Professor Sung-Min Rhee of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Kyung Hee University Hospital has had his research project aimed at reducing re-tears after rotator cuff repair selected for the Ministry of Science and ICT's Basic Research Program for Individuals. The project, titled "Effect of a Support Material with Atelocollagen Inserted into a Porous Polymer Made from Hyaluronic Acid for Rotator Cuff Healing in a Chronic Rabbit Rotator Cuff Tear Model," will span two years.
Rotator cuff tears are commonly caused by degenerative changes or trauma in individuals over the age of 50. Approximately 30% of people over the age of 60 are known to have rotator cuff disease. The prevalence is increasing due to a rise in sports activities, such as golf. Chronic shoulder pain is often caused by these tears, with pain worsening when raising or lowering the arm within certain ranges. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove inflammation in the synovial membrane and bursae and reattach the torn rotator cuff tendons to the upper arm bone. However, even after a successful rotator cuff repair, re-tears occur in about one-third of patients when the tear size is large. Clinical research is ongoing to find ways to reduce these re-tears.
Professor Sung-Min Rhee of Kyung Hee University Hospital explained, "We have been exploring ways to make the tendon more securely fixed to the bone after rotator cuff repair. Through this research, we aim to develop a composite support material with hyaluronic acid and atelocollagen, a type of collagen, to aid in the treatment of rotator cuff tear patients."
shhong0820@sportsseoul.com