Rotator cuff tears pose a huge socioeconomic burden. Our study uses Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as it is a quick, non-manipulative and non-destructive test, which can identify a wide range of chemical targets from small intraoperatively obtained specimens. The aim of this study was (i) to characterise the chemical and structural composition of rotator cuff tendons and (ii) to identify structural differences between anatomically distinct tear sizes. Such information may help to identify specific biomarkers of rotator cuff tear pathologies, which in turn could allow early identification and monitoring of disease progression. FTIR may provide insight into the different healing rates of different tear sizes. The infrared spectra of 81 torn rotator cuff tendons were measured using a FTIR spectrometer. The rotator cuff tear sizes were classified as partial, small, medium, large and massive, and compared to 14 normal controls. All spectra were classified using standard multivariate analysis; principal component analysis, partial least square and discriminant function analysis.Background
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