Research information

Professor PhD and consultant surgeon Lars Henrik Frich

My research activities have always focused on critical clinical issues, aiming to understand the underlying mechanisms of specific problems and improve detailed knowledge in certain areas, with the overall goal of enhancing patient outcomes. To achieve this, I have employed various research methodologies, including observational clinical studies, randomized clinical trials, medical technology assessments, biomedical studies, and animal experiments, depending on the nature of the question, patient availability, and method applicability. Whenever possible, I have aimed to answer clinical and scientific questions in a translational manner.

Over the past eight years, my research has concentrated on improving the treatment of rotator cuff disorders and addressing the challenges related to the healing of rotator cuff tendons and muscles. Recent data from my lab have demonstrated that chronic changes such as fatty infiltration, muscle atrophy, and fibrosis in the rotator cuff musculature in tear conditions can be circumvented. Our latest research focuses on stem cell treatment and the plasticity of rotator cuff muscle after rotator cuff tear surgery. We are currently conducting a study titled “Stem cell treatment for regeneration of the rotator cuff: study protocol for a prospective single-center randomized controlled trial (Lipo-cuff)” published in Trials (2024) 25:696 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-024-08557-0.

In collaboration with researchers from other institutes at SDU, we are developing new techniques to enhance rotator cuff tendon remodeling and healing.