The REGENETEN Bioinductive Implant is a small, thin collagen patch placed on top of the rotator cuff tendon during arthroscopic shoulder surgery. It is designed to support the body’s natural healing response and the formation of new tendon-like tissue. Dr. Andrew Dold, a board-certified sports medicine and shoulder surgeon in Frisco, Texas, may use REGENETEN for selected rotator cuff tears, either on its own for some partial-thickness tears or together with a rotator cuff repair.
- A thin collagen implant placed arthroscopically
- Made of highly purified type I collagen; it is gradually absorbed by the body
- According to the manufacturer, it is replaced by a layer of new tendon-like tissue within about 6 months
- Used for some partial-thickness rotator cuff tears, and to augment some full-thickness repairs
- Not every tear needs it; Dr. Dold decides based on your tear and tendon quality
What is the REGENETEN implant?
REGENETEN, made by Smith+Nephew, is a scaffold made of highly purified type I collagen. It is placed over the surface of the rotator cuff tendon and held in place with small staples and anchors. Over the following months the collagen is absorbed, and the manufacturer reports that it is replaced by new tendon-like tissue, adding thickness to the tendon. The aim is to help the tendon heal and to protect it from progressing to a larger tear or from re-tearing after repair. As with any treatment, results vary from person to person.
Who may benefit?
- Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears that have not improved with physical therapy and injections
- Full-thickness rotator cuff tears being repaired, especially when the tendon is thin or the tear is large, where the implant can be added to the repair
- Active patients who want to protect the long-term health of the tendon
Most rotator cuff problems, such as tendonitis and impingement, are treated first without surgery.
What happens during the procedure?
The implant is placed arthroscopically through the same small incisions used for rotator cuff surgery. Dr. Dold first evaluates and treats the problems inside the shoulder; for a full-thickness tear, he repairs the tendon back to the bone with suture anchors. The REGENETEN implant is then laid over the tendon and secured with small staples into the tendon and anchors into the bone. It typically adds only a short time to the operation, and most patients go home the same day.
Watch Dr. Dold explain the REGENETEN implant
Recovery
Your recovery depends mainly on what was done to the tendon. If the implant is added to a full rotator cuff repair, you will follow the usual repair protocol: most patients wear a sling for about 4 to 6 weeks, then progress through physical therapy, with full recovery usually taking about 6 months. When the implant is used for a partial-thickness tear without a full repair, the early rehabilitation is often faster. Dr. Dold will give you a specific plan.
Why see Dr. Dold
- Board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, with subspecialty certification in Sports Medicine
- Sports medicine and arthroscopy fellowship at NYU Langone / Hospital for Joint Diseases; orthopedic residency at the University of Toronto
- Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS), the American Orthopaedic Association (FAOA) and the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC)
- Author of a SLAP repair book chapter (Springer, 2017) and research on shoulder suture anchors (KSSTA, 2013)
- Team physician and surgical consultant to Rugby Canada; has cared for professional and Olympic athletes from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA Tour, Major League Rugby and USA Gymnastics
- D Magazine Best Doctors (Collin County), 2019–2026 · Rated 4.9 on Google
Frequently asked questions
What is the REGENETEN implant made of?
It is made of highly purified type I collagen. It is gradually absorbed by the body over the following months.
Is REGENETEN an injection?
No. It is a thin collagen implant placed on the tendon during arthroscopic surgery.
Who is a candidate for REGENETEN?
It may be used for some partial-thickness rotator cuff tears that have not improved with non-surgical care, and to augment some full-thickness rotator cuff repairs. Dr. Dold decides based on your tear and tendon quality.
Does REGENETEN replace rotator cuff repair?
Not for full-thickness tears. In those cases the tendon is repaired to the bone and the implant is added on top. For some partial-thickness tears, it may be used without a full repair.
How long is recovery with REGENETEN?
Recovery depends on what was done. With a full rotator cuff repair, most patients wear a sling for about 4 to 6 weeks and full recovery takes about 6 months. Recovery is often faster when the implant is used for a partial tear without a full repair.
Is REGENETEN covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by insurance plan, so it is worth checking with your insurer before surgery.
Medically reviewed by Andrew P. Dold, MD, FAOA, FAAOS, FACS, FRCSC. This page is general information, not medical advice. Individual results vary.
