Regeneten implant for rotator cuff tears in Bath
Regeneten is a collagen implant placed on a torn rotator cuff tendon during keyhole surgery to help the body grow new tendon-like tissue. It can be used on its own for some partial-thickness tears, or added to a standard repair for full-thickness tears. Mr Chambler uses it at Sulis Hospital Bath and Bath Clinic.
Consulting at Sulis Hospital Bath, Bath Clinic and St Joseph's Newport
Typical ranges from the patient information leaflet. Your own plan is agreed at consultation.
Is this procedure for me?
The implant is a small patch of collagen, about the size of a postage stamp, attached to the tendon during keyhole surgery. It acts as a scaffold for new tendon-like tissue and is then absorbed by the body. Not everyone is suitable, and many tears are managed without surgery.
Usually considered when
- A partial-thickness tear that has not settled with other treatment
- A full-thickness tear where the tendon is worn or thin
- A higher chance of the tendon tearing again after a standard repair
- A scan shows the tear is suitable for the implant
Other options first
- Physiotherapy and activity changes
- Guided injections with the radiology team
- A standard repair with stitches and anchors alone
- Monitoring with a repeat scan for smaller tears
Read more about rotator cuff repair and rotator cuff tears. Whether surgery is right for you is a decision you and Mr Chambler make together at consultation.
The Regeneten implant: manufacturer's guide
Produced by Smith+Nephew, who make the implant. It explains how the implant works and summarises the studies behind it. Mr Chambler can go through it with you at consultation.
Download the brochure (PDF, 1.2 MB)What happens, step by step
- Consultation and scan
You meet Mr Chambler in clinic. He examines your shoulder and arranges an ultrasound or MRI scan with the radiology team to see the type and size of the tear. - Planning
He explains whether your tear is suitable, whether the implant would be used alone or with a standard repair, and what the evidence shows. You can take time to decide. - The operation
Through small keyhole incisions, the patch is fixed over the tendon. For full-thickness tears, the tendon is first stitched back to the bone with small anchors and the patch placed on top. - The same day
Your arm rests in a sling. A physiotherapist shows you safe exercises for your hand, wrist and elbow before you leave. - Going home
Many people go home the same day, with pain relief, a physiotherapy plan and a wound check arranged. - Follow-up
The implant is absorbed over the following months as new tissue forms. Mr Chambler reviews your progress in clinic.
What it can achieve, and what can go wrong
What it can achieve
- Supports the growth of new tendon-like tissue over the tear, shown on scans in several studies
- Thickened the tendon by around 2 mm on average in one study of 33 patients
- Added to a standard repair: about three times fewer re-tears at 12 months in one randomised trial
- In small and medium full-thickness tears: faster return to work, less time in a sling and less pain in the first year in one randomised trial of 60 patients
What can go wrong
- The tendon does not heal or tears again
- Infection
- Pain, short-term or long-lasting
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Not every tear is suitable for the implant
- The risks of any anaesthetic
Evidence from published studies, including two randomised trials in 2024. The main trial was funded by Smith+Nephew, which makes the implant. Other studies are less positive: in one 2025 study, 9 in 100 patients needed further surgery for stiffness or inflammation, with no improvement in scores, and reviews report higher rates of stiffness. The studies are relatively small and follow patients for one to two years. Mr Chambler discusses how the evidence applies to your tear.
Mr Chambler goes through these with you before you decide, and you sign consent only when you are ready.
Recovery
Recovery is gradual and varies from person to person. These are typical ranges.
Weeks 1 to 2
Sling and pain relief, gentle hand, wrist and elbow movement.
Weeks 2 to 6
Sling time depends on the repair, and is often shorter when the implant is used alone.
6 to 12 weeks
Movement builds with physiotherapy. Driving for many people.
3 to 6 months
Strengthening, and a return to most daily activities and desk work.
Up to a year
New tissue continues to mature. Full benefit for many patients.
Who looks after you
Mr Andrew Chambler
Consultant Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon since 2003
FRCS (Tr and Orth)
He sees you at every consultation and performs your operation. Around him is a small team you will meet along the way.
Radiologistscarry out imaging and guided injections.
Anaesthetistsplan your anaesthetic and nerve block and see you before the operation.
Physiotherapistsguide your rehabilitation, working to Mr Chambler's published protocols.
Pain managementspecialists are involved when it is needed.
Gail Lane's officehandles bookings, insurance and admissions.
Where it is done
Sulis Hospital Bath
Foxcote Avenue, Peasedown St John, Bath BA2 8SQ
Free parking on site.
From Bath: about 15 minutes from the city centre by car.
From Bristol: about 25 minutes from the city centre by car.
Bath Clinic, Circle Health Group
Claverton Down Road, Bath BA2 7BR
From Bath: about 10 minutes from the city centre by car, on Claverton Down.
From Bristol: about 35 minutes from the city centre by car via the A4.
St Joseph's Hospital, Newport
Harding Avenue, Malpas, Newport NP20 6ZE
Consultations for patients in South Wales.
From Bath: about an hour by car via the M4.
From Bristol: about 40 minutes by car over the Prince of Wales Bridge (M4).
Paying for treatment
Insured
Self-pay
NHS
Your self-pay quote is confirmed in writing after your consultation, once the type of repair is agreed.
How soon can I be seen?
New patients are usually seen within one to two weeks.
Updated November 2026
Questions patients ask
Will I need a GP referral?
If you are insured, your insurer will usually ask for a GP referral before authorising treatment. If you are paying for yourself, Gail can tell you whether a referral letter is needed and what to bring.
What is the implant made of?
Highly purified collagen, the protein that makes up tendons. It is absorbed by the body over time as new tissue grows.
Is it suitable for every tear?
No. It depends on the type and size of the tear and the quality of the tendon. Mr Chambler explains at consultation whether it is an option for you.
How strong is the evidence?
Several studies, including two randomised trials published in 2024, show encouraging results. The main trial was funded by the manufacturer, and other studies have found higher rates of stiffness. The studies are relatively small and follow patients for one to two years, so longer-term evidence is still being gathered.
What if I live in Bristol?
Sulis Hospital is about 25 minutes from central Bristol by car, with free parking. Many patients travel from Bristol, Somerset and Wiltshire for consultations and surgery.
Can I have it done on the NHS with Mr Chambler?
NHS treatment is arranged through a GP referral. Gail can explain the current options when you get in touch.
Talk to us about your shoulder
Gail Lane, Mr Chambler's practice manager, replies within one working day.
