News Health & Medicine

This python-inspired device could make rotator cuff surgeries more effective

Used alongside standard sutures, the device could double the strength of surgical repairs

An illustrated diagram of the python-inspired device placed in the shoulder between the head of an arm bone and the tendon in the rotator cuff. The illustration features a closeup on the connection.

A new medical device (illustrated at left) features tiny pythonlike teeth designed to hold fragile tissues without tearing. Researchers hope it will improve outcomes for those who undergo rotator cuff surgery.

I. Kurtaliaj et al/Science Advances 2024

By Claire Yuan

Each year, 2 million people in the United States suffer from rotator cuff injuries — but only 600,000 get surgical fixes.