Dermal Allograft Augmentation of Large and Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

This study compares rotator cuff repair surgery with and without the addition of a dermal allograft — a piece of processed human donor skin used to reinforce the repair — for people with large or massive rotator cuff tears and significant muscle deterioration (fatty infiltration). The goal is to determine whether adding the allograft patch improves tendon healing, as seen on MRI, and whether it reduces pain and improves shoulder function. Adults aged 30–75 with a large rotator cuff tear confirmed on MRI, significant fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff muscles, and no prior major shoulder surgery are eligible. Participation involves undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (with or without the allograft) and completing shoulder function questionnaires and follow-up MRI scans after surgery. This summary was generated with AI assistance and is intended to help patients understand the study in plain language.