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Does vitamin C supplementation improve rotator cuff healing? A preliminary study

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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

One of the complications after rotator cuff repair is a tendon non-healing. It has already been posited in the literature that vitamin C (VC) promotes tendon healing through its antioxidant properties and its role as a cofactor in collagen synthesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of postoperative VC supplementation on the tendon healing following repair.

Methods

This randomized monocentric prospective study included 98 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in 1-year period and follow-up ultrasound 6 months postoperatively. The cohort was divided into two groups: the VC+ group (500 mg/day PO for 45 days postoperatively) and the VC− group (no supplementation). The evaluation criterion was tendon healing at 6 months postoperatively according to the Sugaya ultrasound classification. Preoperative and postoperative clinical evaluations were based on active mobilities, the Constant score and the subjective shoulder value.

Results

There was no difference in term of postoperative outcomes between the two groups. At an average follow-up of 6.3 months, the non-healing rate in the overall population was 17%. This rate was higher in VC− compared to VC+, respectively, 23% vs. 11%), p = 0.2.

Conclusion

This study showed a trend to improve tendon healing after rotator cuff repair with VC supplementation. However, a prospective study with a larger patient population should be conducted to confirm this finding.

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Funding

The authors did not receive support from any organization for the submitted work. No funding was received to assist with the preparation of this manuscript. No funding was received for conducting this study. No funds, Grants, or other support was received.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Hôpital Pierre Paul Riquet, Place Baylac, 31059, Toulouse Cedex09, France

    M. Martel, P. Laumonerie, M. Girard, F. Dauzere, P. Mansat & N. Bonnevialle

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  1. M. Martel
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  2. P. Laumonerie
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  3. M. Girard
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  4. F. Dauzere
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Correspondence to M. Martel.

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Martel, M., Laumonerie, P., Girard, M. et al. Does vitamin C supplementation improve rotator cuff healing? A preliminary study. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 32, 63–70 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-021-02926-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-021-02926-0

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