Suppression of inflammatory macrophages is a potential strategy to improve rotator cuff healing and has shown promise in preclinical models.

The pathophysiology of rotator cuff disease is complex, involving intrinsic and extrinsic factors that contribute to mechanical alterations, inflammation, apoptosis, and neovascularization. These changes result in structural and cellular disruptions, including inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen disorganization. Macrophages have recently gained attention as critical mediators of tissue repair and regeneration.