In a study conducted by a team of researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University, non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma was used to repair rotator cuff injuries in rabbit models. Rotator cuff tears are a common issue, especially in the aging population, with a significant risk of re-tears even after surgery. The researchers aimed to enhance current clinical practices with new healing methods to improve the healing rate and strength of the repair. The study involved two groups: a control group and a group that received 5-minute plasma irradiation before suturing the detached rotator cuffs. The tissue arrangement and mechanical strength of the repair were examined at intervals of two, four, and eight weeks.
The results of the study showed promising outcomes in the group that received plasma irradiation. After four and eight weeks, the tissue arrangement of the repaired rotator cuff was similar to that of a normal tendon-bone junction. Additionally, more bone tissue was formed in the plasma irradiation group compared to the control group. In biomechanical testing, the force required to break the plasma-irradiated rotator cuff after eight weeks was close to the strength of an undamaged one. These findings suggest that non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma could be a valuable tool in improving the reliability of rotator cuff repairs and reducing the rate of re-tears.
Professor Hiromitsu Toyoda expressed optimism about the potential applications of this research in clinical practice and sports medicine. If the results of the study can be translated into clinical practices, it could lead to more reliable rotator cuff repairs and better outcomes for patients. In sports medicine, the use of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma could help accelerate athletes’ recovery from injuries and improve their performance. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of rotator cuff injuries and enhance the overall quality of patient care.
The team of researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University has previously reported positive results using non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma for bone and tendon repairs. Building on their previous work, the study on rotator cuff injuries in rabbit models further demonstrates the effectiveness of this innovative healing method. By utilizing plasma irradiation, the researchers were able to promote tissue regeneration and enhance the strength of the repair, leading to improved outcomes in the treatment of rotator cuff tears. This research represents a significant advancement in the field of orthopedic medicine and has the potential to revolutionize the way rotator cuff injuries are managed in clinical practice.
Overall, the study conducted at Osaka Metropolitan University highlights the potential of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma as a promising tool for improving the healing rate and strength of rotator cuff repairs. The positive results obtained in the rabbit models demonstrate the effectiveness of this innovative healing method in promoting tissue regeneration and enhancing the strength of the repair. With further research and clinical testing, non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma could become a valuable addition to current clinical practices in orthopedic medicine, leading to more reliable rotator cuff repairs and better outcomes for patients. The application of this technology in sports medicine also holds promise for accelerating athletes’ recovery and enhancing their performance.