How the small shoulder bursa affects rotator cuff damage and healing
The role of the subacromial bursa in rotator cuff degeneration and healing
This project looks at whether the small cushioning tissue above the shoulder (the subacromial bursa) helps protect rotator cuff tendons and improve healing, especially in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11370082 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study the subacromial bursa, the thin tissue that lies above the rotator cuff tendons, to understand its role in tendon health and repair. In laboratory models they will remove the bursa (bursectomy) or modify it to see whether its absence worsens tendon degeneration or impairs healing after injury. The team will map cellular communication between bursa and tendon to identify signals that might be targeted for therapy. While much of the work is preclinical, the findings could point to new surgical approaches or treatments to help older adults with rotator cuff tears heal better.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults (for example 65+) with chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy or full-thickness rotator cuff tears, especially those considering or undergoing surgical repair, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without rotator cuff tendon problems, or whose shoulder pain is due to arthritis, fractures, or nerve conditions, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments or surgical changes that lower re-tear rates and improve recovery after rotator cuff repair, particularly for older patients.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies suggest the bursa contains active cells and signaling molecules that can influence tendon biology, but clinical evidence that targeting the bursa improves healing is still limited.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomopoulos, Stavros — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Thomopoulos, Stavros
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 below.