{
    "query": "rotator cuff",
    "resultCount": 23,
    "source": "kingbrand.com\/Studies.php",
    "results": [
        {
            "studyNumber": 64,
            "shortTitle": "Delayed Rehabilitation Produces Better Healing for Larger Rotator Cuff Tears",
            "fullTitle": "Prospective randomized study of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using an early versus delayed postoperative physical therapy protocol.",
            "authors": "Cuff DJ, Pupello DR",
            "journal": "Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (2012)",
            "summary": "This randomized controlled trial enrolled 68 patients with full-thickness supraspinatus tears to compare early passive motion versus delayed rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. While both groups showed similar overall outcomes, the delayed rehabilitation group demonstrated significantly better tendon healing rates, particularly for larger tears. The study found that early motion did not improve functional outcomes and that a more conservative approach with delayed movement allowed better tissue repair. These results support the concept that giving the rotator cuff adequate rest after injury or repair promotes better healing than rushing into exercise.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22554876\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 18,
            "shortTitle": "Far-Infrared Radiation Reduces Pain & Aids Early Recovery After Rotator Cuff Repair",
            "fullTitle": "The Effect of Postoperatively Applied Far-Infrared Radiation on Pain and Tendon-to-Bone Healing After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair",
            "authors": "J.Y. Yoon, J.H. Park, K.J. Lee, et al.",
            "journal": "Korean Journal of Pain (2020)",
            "summary": "This randomized study evaluated the effects of far-infrared radiation (FIR) therapy on pain and healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in 38 patients with medium-sized tears. The FIR group received twice-daily 30-minute FIR sessions from week 1 to week 5 post-surgery. At 5 weeks, FIR patients reported significantly lower pain scores (1.5 vs. 2.7, P = 0.019) and greater shoulder flexion at 3 months (151.6° vs. 132.9°, P = 0.045). By 6 months, ROM and healing rates were similar between groups. FIR may be a safe and effective method to reduce early postoperative pain and enhance rehabilitation.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32989199\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 19,
            "shortTitle": "Far-Infrared Radiation Reduces Pain After Rotator Cuff Repair",
            "fullTitle": "Far-Infrared Radiation to Improve Clinical Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Randomized Comparative Clinical Study",
            "authors": "J.H. Park, J.Y. Yoon, M.G. Jeong, et al.",
            "journal": "Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery (2023)",
            "summary": "This randomized study examined the effects of far-infrared radiation (FIR) therapy on pain, range of motion (ROM), and healing after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in 64 patients. The FIR group received twice-daily 30-minute FIR sessions for 10 weeks. At 5 weeks and 3 months post-surgery, FIR patients reported significantly lower pain scores (1.7 vs. 2.8, P = 0.002 at 5 weeks; 2.4 vs. 3.2, P = 0.041 at 3 months). However, ROM, functional scores, and healing rates showed no significant differences between groups. FIR may be a safe and effective method to reduce early postoperative pain and support rehabilitation.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/37811506\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 24,
            "shortTitle": "Kinesio Taping Reduces Pain and Improves Arm Function in Rotator Cuff Tendonitis",
            "fullTitle": "Short-Term Effects of Cold Therapy and Kinesio Taping on Pain Relief and Upper Extremity Functionality in Individuals with Rotator Cuff Tendonitis: A Randomized Study",
            "authors": "Elif Durgut, Hulya Nilgun Gurses, Kerem Bilsel, Kubra Alpay, Zeynep Hosbay, Gokcer Uzer, Fatih Yildiz, Nurzat Elmali",
            "journal": "Medicina (Kaunas) (2024)",
            "summary": "This study compared the short-term effects of kinesio taping (KT) and cold therapy (CT) on shoulder pain and arm function in people with rotator cuff tendonitis (RCT). Fifty-two participants were split into two groups and given either KT or CT, along with a standard home exercise program. After three days, the KT group showed improvements in pain, shoulder movement, arm function, and grip strength. The CT group only showed a decrease in pain at rest and at night. The results suggest that KT, when used with exercise, may be more effective than cold therapy for short-term relief and improving daily function in people with RCT.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/39202470\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 57,
            "shortTitle": "Botox Weakens Muscle Repair in Chronic Rotator Cuff Injury",
            "fullTitle": "Botulinum toxin is detrimental to repair of a chronic rotator cuff tear",
            "authors": "Mohit Gilotra, Thao Nguyen, Matthew Christian, Derik Davis, R. Frank Henn III, Syed Ashfaq Hasan",
            "journal": "American Journal of Sports Medicine (2015)",
            "summary": "This animal study evaluated the effects of intramuscular botulinum toxin (Botox) on the repair strength of chronic rotator cuff injuries in rabbits. Twelve weeks after supraspinatus tendon transection, one shoulder was injected with Botox and the contralateral side with saline before repair. Six weeks post-repair, the Botox-treated group had significantly lower repair strength (2.64 N) compared to controls (5.51 N, p = 0.03), and a higher rate of partial healing defects (80% vs. 40%). All samples showed Goutallier Grade 3 or 4 fatty infiltration, which was more pronounced with Botox. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, Botox compromised healing and may increase muscle degeneration in chronic injuries.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25626677\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 58,
            "shortTitle": "Rotator Cuff Tendons Have a Naturally Poor Blood Supply",
            "fullTitle": "The vascularity of the rotator cuff.",
            "authors": "Chansky HA, Iannotti JP",
            "journal": "Clinics in Sports Medicine (1991)",
            "summary": "This review examined the blood supply to the rotator cuff tendons and its role in injury and degeneration. The researchers identified that the major arteries supplying the rotator cuff come from several branches around the shoulder. Most importantly, they found a \"critical zone\" in the supraspinatus tendon where blood supply is naturally limited. This area of poor circulation is believed to contribute significantly to the wear and degeneration of the tendon as we age, making it harder for the body to heal injuries in this region. The findings support the importance of stimulating blood flow to the rotator cuff to support healing, especially in areas where natural circulation is already compromised.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/1934098\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 59,
            "shortTitle": "Blood Flow to the Rotator Cuff Is Critical for Healing",
            "fullTitle": "Vascularity and tendon pathology in the rotator cuff: a review of literature and implications for rehabilitation and surgery.",
            "authors": "Hegedus EJ, Cook C, Brennan M, Wyland D, Garrison JC, Driesner D",
            "journal": "British Journal of Sports Medicine (2010)",
            "summary": "This systematic review compiled 19 studies examining blood flow to the rotator cuff tendons and its relationship to injury and healing. The researchers found that increased blood flow is a normal healing response to smaller tears, but as tears grow larger, the blood supply fails and circulation decreases. They also found that mechanical impingement can reduce blood flow to the tendon. Notably, the study suggests that exercise may increase blood flow to the rotator cuff, supporting the concept that stimulating circulation is important for recovery. These findings have direct implications for rehabilitation, emphasizing that maintaining adequate blood flow is essential for tendon healing.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19293165\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 60,
            "shortTitle": "Mechanical Tension on Rotator Cuff Tendons Reduces Blood Flow",
            "fullTitle": "Excessively High Repair Tension Decreases Microvascular Blood Flow Within the Rotator Cuff.",
            "authors": "Miyake S, Izaki T, Arashiro Y, Kobayashi S, Shibata Y, Shibata T, Yamamoto T",
            "journal": "American Journal of Sports Medicine (2022)",
            "summary": "This study measured how mechanical tension affects blood flow within the rotator cuff tendons of 30 patients with full-thickness tears. Using a laser Doppler flowmeter, researchers measured microvascular blood flow at four different tension levels. They found that blood flow was significantly reduced when tension reached 20 N or higher, dropping from 3.51 to 2.84 mL\/min\/100 g at 20 N and to 2.45 at 30 N. The findings demonstrate that mechanical stress directly impairs blood circulation in rotator cuff tissue, supporting the concept that excessive strain and reinjury during healing reduces the blood flow needed for tissue repair.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/36263917\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 61,
            "shortTitle": "Immobilization After Rotator Cuff Repair Is as Effective as Early Motion",
            "fullTitle": "Rehabilitation following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized trial of immobilization compared with early motion.",
            "authors": "Keener JD, Galatz LM, Stobbs-Cucchi G, Patton R, Yamaguchi K",
            "journal": "Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (2014)",
            "summary": "This randomized controlled trial compared early range of motion versus immobilization (delayed motion for 6 weeks) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in 124 patients. At 12 to 24 months follow-up, there were no significant differences in functional scores, active motion, shoulder strength, or tendon healing rates between the two groups. Both groups achieved a 92% healing rate. The only advantage of early motion was slightly better elevation and rotation at 3 months, which disappeared by later follow-up. These findings indicate that resting the injury after repair does not compromise healing, and that early exercise provides no meaningful advantage over a period of immobilization.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24382719\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 62,
            "shortTitle": "Early Motion After Rotator Cuff Repair May Increase Retear Risk",
            "fullTitle": "Does early motion lead to a higher failure rate or better outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair? A systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses.",
            "authors": "Saltzman BM, Zuke WA, Go B, Mascarenhas R, Verma NN, Cole BJ, Romeo AA, Forsythe B",
            "journal": "Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (2017)",
            "summary": "This systematic review analyzed 9 meta-analyses comparing early motion versus delayed motion rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The researchers found no clear superiority in functional outcomes for either approach. While early motion provided slightly better range of motion in the first year, there was concern that it may lead to higher retear rates, particularly in patients with larger tears. Tendon healing results either showed no difference or favored delayed motion. The findings suggest that rushing back to movement after rotator cuff repair may increase the risk of reinjury without providing meaningful long-term benefits.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/28619382\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 63,
            "shortTitle": "Early Versus Delayed Rehabilitation After Rotator Cuff Repair Shows No Clear Benefit",
            "fullTitle": "Effectiveness of early versus delayed rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair: Systematic review and meta-analyses.",
            "authors": "Mazuquin B, Moffatt M, Gill P, Selfe J, Rees J, Drew S, Littlewood C",
            "journal": "PLoS One (2021)",
            "summary": "This systematic review and meta-analysis examined 20 randomized controlled trials involving 1,841 patients to compare early versus delayed rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair. The study found no significant differences between the two approaches in terms of pain, function, strength, or repair integrity at any follow-up time point. Early rehabilitation provided slightly better range of motion in the short term, but this did not translate into better long-term outcomes. The findings support that delaying aggressive rehabilitation does not harm recovery, and that patients can benefit from a more conservative approach that prioritizes rest and protection of the healing tissue.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34048450\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 66,
            "shortTitle": "Cold Therapy Reduces Pain and Narcotic Use After Rotator Cuff Repair",
            "fullTitle": "The use of cold therapy unit in the postoperative period influences pain and narcotic use following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.",
            "authors": "Xiao AX, Trotter M, Sampson H, Cole EW, Feeley BT",
            "journal": "Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (2026)",
            "summary": "This study assessed the impact of a standardized cold therapy protocol on pain and opioid consumption following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Patients who used cold therapy units after surgery experienced significantly lower pain levels and required fewer narcotic pain medications compared to those who did not use cold therapy. The findings demonstrate that cold therapy is an effective non-pharmacological approach to pain management after rotator cuff surgery, reducing both suffering and reliance on pain medications during recovery.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/41110819\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 68,
            "shortTitle": "NSAIDs Impair Rotator Cuff Tendon-to-Bone Healing",
            "fullTitle": "Indomethacin and celecoxib impair rotator cuff tendon-to-bone healing.",
            "authors": "Cohen DB, Kawamura S, Ehteshami JR, Rodeo SA",
            "journal": "American Journal of Sports Medicine (2006)",
            "summary": "This controlled laboratory study investigated whether common anti-inflammatory drugs interfere with rotator cuff healing. 180 rats underwent rotator cuff repair surgery and were given either indomethacin (a traditional NSAID), celecoxib (a COX-2 inhibitor), or no medication for 14 days. Both drug groups showed significantly impaired tendon-to-bone healing compared to the control group, with reduced tissue formation and weaker repair strength. The findings indicate that NSAIDs, while commonly prescribed for pain relief after injury or surgery, can actively interfere with the body's ability to heal rotator cuff tendons, supporting the concern that these medications may do more harm than good during recovery.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16210573\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 70,
            "shortTitle": "COX-2 Inhibitors Significantly Delay Rotator Cuff Tendon Healing",
            "fullTitle": "Do Different Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors Impair Rotator Cuff Healing in a Rabbit Model?",
            "authors": "Lu Y, Li Y, Li FL, Li X, Zhuo HW, Jiang CY",
            "journal": "Chinese Medical Journal (2015)",
            "summary": "This controlled study evaluated the effects of three common anti-inflammatory drugs on rotator cuff healing in 96 rabbits. After rotator cuff repair surgery, animals were divided into four groups: ibuprofen, celecoxib (a COX-2 inhibitor), flurbiprofen, and a control group receiving no medication. After 7 days of treatment, the celecoxib group showed significantly lower failure loads and reduced type I collagen at all time points (3, 6, and 12 weeks) compared to controls. For example, at 3 weeks, collagen was 11.5% in the celecoxib group versus 27.6% in controls. The findings confirm that selective COX-2 inhibitors significantly impair rotator cuff tendon healing, particularly in the early stages of recovery.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26315084\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 71,
            "shortTitle": "Kinesio Taping Increases Subacromial Space in Rotator Cuff Injuries",
            "fullTitle": "Immediate effects of kinesiotaping on acromiohumeral distance and shoulder proprioception in individuals with symptomatic rotator cuff tendinopathy.",
            "authors": "de Oliveira FCL, Pairot de Fontenay B, Bouyer LJ, Roy JS",
            "journal": "Clinical Biomechanics (2019)",
            "summary": "This study investigated the immediate effects of kinesiotaping on 22 individuals with chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy. Researchers measured the acromiohumeral distance (the space between the arm bone and the shoulder blade) using ultrasound, both at rest and during shoulder abduction, before and after applying kinesiotape. The study found that kinesiotaping significantly increased the subacromial space during shoulder abduction by approximately 0.94 mm, a change that exceeded the threshold for clinical significance. This increase in space can reduce compression on the rotator cuff tendons during movement, supporting the use of supportive taping as a protective measure for rotator cuff injuries.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/30453120\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 72,
            "shortTitle": "Rotator Cuff Tears Increase With Age and Are Often Asymptomatic",
            "fullTitle": "A systematic review and pooled analysis of the prevalence of rotator cuff disease with increasing age.",
            "authors": "Teunis T, Lubberts B, Reilly BT, Ring D",
            "journal": "Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (2014)",
            "summary": "This systematic review pooled data from 30 studies encompassing 6,112 shoulders to determine how common rotator cuff abnormalities are across different age groups. The researchers found that rotator cuff tears become increasingly common with age, rising from 9.7% in people aged 20 and younger to 62% in those aged 80 and older. Crucially, a high percentage of these tears were found in people with no symptoms at all, suggesting that many rotator cuff tears exist without causing pain. The prevalence of asymptomatic tears was high enough that the authors concluded rotator cuff degeneration should be considered a normal aspect of human aging, making it difficult to determine when a tear is new or the actual cause of symptoms.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25441568\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 73,
            "shortTitle": "Many Rotator Cuff Tears Cause No Symptoms",
            "fullTitle": "Dead men and radiologists don't lie: a review of cadaveric and radiological studies of rotator cuff tear prevalence.",
            "authors": "Reilly P, Macleod I, Macfarlane R, Windley J, Emery RJ",
            "journal": "Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (2006)",
            "summary": "This review analyzed cadaveric and radiological studies to determine how common rotator cuff tears really are. Among cadaveric specimens, the prevalence of full-thickness tears was 11.75% and partial-thickness tears was 18.49%, for a total of 30.24%. Strikingly, among living subjects examined with ultrasound, 38.9% of those with no symptoms had rotator cuff tears. MRI findings showed 26.2% of asymptomatic individuals had tears. The study concludes that rotator cuff tears are frequently asymptomatic, meaning many people have tears without knowing it. This finding highlights that the presence of a tear on imaging does not necessarily mean it is the source of pain, and that many tears can exist without causing problems.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/16551396\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 74,
            "shortTitle": "Retear Rates After Rotator Cuff Repair Range From 13 to 94 Percent",
            "fullTitle": "Re-tears after rotator cuff repair: Current concepts review.",
            "authors": "Mandaleson A",
            "journal": "Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma (2021)",
            "summary": "This comprehensive review examined the rates and risk factors for retear after rotator cuff repair surgery. The author found that retear rates following surgical repair range from 13% to 94%, despite patients often reporting satisfactory clinical outcomes. Multiple factors contribute to retear risk, including patient age, tear size and morphology, surgical technique, and rehabilitation approach. The high variability in retear rates demonstrates that healing after rotator cuff repair is fragile and far from guaranteed. These findings support the importance of protecting the repaired tendon from excessive stress during recovery and the need for ongoing care long after the initial pain subsides.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34123722\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 84,
            "shortTitle": "Corticosteroid Injections Before Rotator Cuff Surgery Increase Failure Rates",
            "fullTitle": "Adverse Impact of Corticosteroid Injection on Rotator Cuff Tendon Health and Repair: A Systematic Review.",
            "authors": "Puzzitiello RN, Patel BH, Nwachukwu BU, Allen AA, Forsythe B, Salzler MJ",
            "journal": "Arthroscopy (2020)",
            "summary": "This systematic review assessed the adverse effects of corticosteroid injections in patients with rotator cuff disease, particularly before rotator cuff repair surgery. The review identified 8 articles reporting adverse outcomes. The findings showed that even a single corticosteroid injection was associated with an increased risk of requiring revision rotator cuff repair, with odds ratios ranging from 1.3 to 2.8 when administered up to a year before surgery. The risk of adverse outcomes was greatest when injections were administered within 6 months of surgery, with an odds ratio of 1.8. Receiving 2 or more injections within a year of surgery further increased the risk, with odds ratios ranging from 2.1 to 3.3. Corticosteroid injections within one month of surgery also increased the risk of postoperative infection, with an odds ratio of 2.1. The study demonstrates that corticosteroid injections have a temporal and dose-dependent negative effect on rotator cuff tendon health and surgical outcomes. These findings support the recommendation that corticosteroid injections should be approached with caution, particularly when surgery may be needed, and that multiple injections should be avoided. Patients should be informed of these risks and encouraged to discuss alternatives with their physician.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31862292\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 86,
            "shortTitle": "Cortisone Directly Damages Rotator Cuff Tendon Cells in Laboratory Study",
            "fullTitle": "Effects of crystalline glucocorticoid triamcinolone acetonide on cultured human supraspinatus tendon cells.",
            "authors": "Tempfer H, Gehwolf R, Lehner C, Wagner A, Mtsariashvili M, Bauer HC, et al.",
            "journal": "Acta Orthopaedica (2009)",
            "summary": "This laboratory study investigated the direct effects of triamcinolone acetonide, a crystalline glucocorticoid commonly used in corticosteroid injections, on human rotator cuff tendon cells. The researchers added the steroid to the culture medium of isolated human supraspinatus tendon cells and observed the effects over 2 weeks. The findings were striking. After 2 weeks of exposure, the tendon cells had lost their normal fibroblastic appearance and parallel orientation, showing characteristics of cellular degeneration similar to what is seen in damaged tendons in the body. The production and secretion of collagen type I, which is the primary structural protein in healthy tendons, was strongly reduced. Cell proliferation decreased and cell migration was completely blocked, meaning the tendon cells lost their ability to move and repair damaged tissue. The expression of matrix metalloproteinases, enzymes needed for tissue remodeling, was reduced, while their inhibitors were increased, further impairing the repair process. Additionally, the steroid caused the tendon cells to transform into fat cells and cartilage-like cells rather than maintaining their normal tendon phenotype. These results provide direct cellular evidence that corticosteroid injections may weaken tendons and contribute to the high rate of re-rupture after rotator cuff repair, supporting the recommendation to approach cortisone injections with caution.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19421912\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 35,
            "shortTitle": "A Positive Correlation between Steroid Injections and Cuff Tendon Tears",
            "fullTitle": "A Positive Correlation between Steroid Injections and Cuff Tendon Tears",
            "authors": "Chih-Kai Hong, Chih-Hao Chiu, Chih-Hsiu Cheng, Chih-Yang Lin, Chih-Kai Hong",
            "journal": "Journal of Clinical Medicine (2022)",
            "summary": "This retrospective cohort study investigated the association between corticosteroid injections and the incidence of rotator cuff tendon tears. Analyzing data from 1,025 patients with shoulder diseases, the study found that those who received steroid injections had a significantly higher incidence of cuff tendon tears (9.8%) compared to those who did not receive injections. The adjusted hazard ratio was 7.44, indicating a strong correlation between steroid injections and increased risk of tendon tears. The authors concluded that steroid injections should be administered cautiously, considering the potential risk of tendon rupture.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/35457390\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 69,
            "shortTitle": "Review Confirms NSAIDs May Interfere With Tendon Healing",
            "fullTitle": "The Effect of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Tendon-to-Bone Healing: A Systematic Review with Subgroup Meta-Analysis.",
            "authors": "Duchman KR, Lemmex DB, Patel SH, Ledbetter L, Garrigues GE",
            "journal": "Iowa Orthopaedic Journal (2019)",
            "summary": "This systematic review analyzed 13 studies (3 clinical and 10 basic science) to evaluate the effect of NSAIDs on tendon-to-bone healing after injury or surgery. The review found that clinical studies reported higher rates of rotator cuff repair failure in patients using selective COX-2 NSAIDs compared to non-selective NSAIDs. While basic science studies showed mixed results, the overall evidence raises concerns that NSAIDs may interfere with the healing process at the tendon-bone interface. The review highlights the need for caution when prescribing anti-inflammatory medications following tendon injuries and surgical repairs.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31413684\/"
        },
        {
            "studyNumber": 85,
            "shortTitle": "Corticosteroid Injections Help Short Term but Worsen Outcomes Long Term",
            "fullTitle": "Efficacy and safety of corticosteroid injections and other injections for management of tendinopathy: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials.",
            "authors": "Coombes BK, Bisset L, Vicenzino B",
            "journal": "Lancet (2010)",
            "summary": "This systematic review of 41 randomized controlled trials with 2,672 participants evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of injection therapies for tendinopathy. The study found that corticosteroid injections reduced pain in the short term (within 4 weeks) compared to other interventions, showing a large effect size. However, this benefit was reversed at intermediate term (13 to 26 weeks) and long term (52 weeks and beyond). For example, in treating lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow), corticosteroid injections showed a large positive effect in the short term but actually performed worse than no intervention at all by the intermediate and long-term follow-up. This means that patients who received corticosteroid injections were ultimately worse off than if they had done nothing. The study also found that the short-term efficacy for rotator cuff tendinopathy was not clear. Among 991 participants who received corticosteroid injections, one case of tendon rupture was reported. These findings demonstrate that while corticosteroid injections provide temporary pain relief, they do not support long-term healing and may actually delay recovery. The reversal of benefit over time is consistent with the concern that pain masking leads to further tissue damage, as patients overuse the injured area while unable to feel the warning signs of strain.",
            "pubmedUrl": "https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/20970844\/"
        }
    ]
}