title: Application of layered poly (L-lactic acid) cell free scaffold in a rabbit rotator cuff defect model.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study evaluated the application of a layered cell free poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) scaffold to regenerate an infraspinatus tendon defect in a rabbit model. We hypothesized that PLLA scaffold without cultivated cells would lead to regeneration of tissue with mechanical properties similar to reattached infraspinatus without tendon defects.
  
  
  METHODS
  Layered PLLA fabric with a smooth surface on one side and a pile-finished surface on the other side was used. Novel form of layered PLLA scaffold was created by superimposing 2 PLLA fabrics. Defects of the infraspinatus tendon were created in 32 rabbits and the PLLA scaffolds were transplanted, four rabbits were used as normal control. Contralateral infraspinatus tendons were reattached to humeral head without scaffold implantation. Histological and mechanical evaluations were performed at 4, 8, and 16 weeks after operation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 4 weeks postoperatively, cell migration was observed in the interstice of the PLLA fibers. Regenerated tissue was directly connected to the bone composed mainly of type III collagen, at 16 weeks postoperatively. The ultimate failure load increased in a time-dependent manner and no statistical difference was seen between normal infraspinatus tendon and scaffold group at 8 and 16 weeks postoperatively. There were no differences between scaffold group and reattach group at each time of point. The stiffness did not improve significantly in both groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A novel form of layered PLLA scaffold has the potential to induce cell migration into the scaffold and to bridge the tendon defect with mechanical properties similar to reattached infraspinatus tendon model.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan. atsuyukiinui81@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Atsuyuki
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Inui
authors.forename: Takeshi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kokubu
authors.forename: Hiroyuki
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fujioka
authors.forename: Issei
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Nagura
authors.forename: Ryosuke
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sakata
authors.forename: Hanako
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nishimoto
authors.forename: Masaru
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kotera
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nishino
authors.forename: Masahiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kurosaka