A new method for repairing rotator cuff tears using 3D bioprinting
Official title: An Arthroscopic 3D Bioprinter for Minimally Invasive Rotator Cuff Tear Repair
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11056028 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new, gentle way to fix rotator cuff tears using a special 3D printing technique that helps create materials to support healing, making it easier for your tendon to attach to the bone and stay strong.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $173,800 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR083046-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056028 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from rotator cuff tears, particularly those who are at risk of retear after traditional surgical repair.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-surgical rotator cuff injuries or those who have already undergone multiple surgeries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an innovative approach to repair rotator cuff tears using a minimally invasive technique called arthroscopic 3D bioprinting. The goal is to create a system that can precisely fabricate biological materials to enhance the healing process of torn tendons. By utilizing 3D bioprinting technology, the researchers aim to improve the attachment of the tendon to the bone, reducing the risk of retear and improving overall joint stability. This method seeks to address common failure modes associated with traditional surgical techniques.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of retear in rotator cuff repairs, leading to better patient outcomes and less need for repeat surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: While 3D bioprinting is a relatively novel approach in this context, there have been successful applications of similar technologies in other areas of tissue engineering.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berry, David Barnes — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Berry, David Barnes
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.