Laminated tears of the human rotator cuff: A histologic and immunochemicalstudy

Laminated tears of the rotator cuff are often lined by a cellular layer tha t has an appearance suggestive of synovium. This study demonstrates, by his tologic and immunohistochemical means, that the lining cells are synovial. It remains unclear whether these cells arise by synovial extension from the joint or bursa, or by metaplasia in the presence of synovial fluid, and th is has implications for surgical repair of laminated cuff defects. We sugge st that these defects be curetted, to remove at least some of this synovial lining, before suture repair.