Research interest

We investigate the use of extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold technology as a strategy for reducing re-tear rate and enhancing healing following rotator cuff and abdominal wall repair. ECM scaffolds are believed to provide mechanical augmentation and a chemically and structurally instructive environment for host cells. Our work involves both the development of relevant model systems to assess existing scaffold technologies, as well as the development of new ECM scaffold technologies.

Further, we investigate the muscle fatty atrophy that occurs concomitantly with tendon injury in the rotator cuff. Using a large animal rotator cuff injury model, we assess single fiber contractility, fiber type and size, lipid species and localization, and expression of several fatty atrophy genes, with the goal to more fully understand the etiology of muscle fatty atrophy so that interventions for limiting or reversing this condition can be developed and utilized in the treatment of rotator cuff disease.

Finally, we develop techniques to monitor the integrity and quality of healing tendon repairs. We currently use radiography to image tantalum beads implanted into tendon and bone at a repair site. We hypothesize that “failure in continuity” is a common but missed structural outcome following rotator cuff repair, and may explain the persistent muscle atrophy and functional deficit in patients who are otherwise thought to have an “intact repair” based on standard imaging modalities. Understanding the timing, magnitude and types of structural outcomes following rotator cuff repair will guide our tissue engineering approaches to improving repair outcomes.