巨大肩袖损伤的手术修复结果

目的 探讨关节镜治疗巨大肩袖损伤的临床效果及影响因素.方法自2007年9月至2009年6月接受手术治疗的巨大肩袖损伤患者16例,男6例,女10例;平均年龄61.5岁.采取关节镜下双排重建对损伤肩袖进行修复.记录术前及最终随访时的疼痛、活动范围、前屈上举的肌肉力量以及功能评分,进行配对t检验;并按不同年龄、病程进行分组,进行统计学分析.结果 所有患者均顺利愈合,术前疼痛视觉模拟评分(visual analogue score,VAS)为5.6,前屈上举为69.1°,外旋为14.7°,内旋达L1水平,Constant-Murley评分为39,加州大学洛杉矾分校评分(UCLA)为10.4,肩关节简单评分(SST)为2.8,前屈上举的肌力相当于健侧的10.7%.术后VAS为1.7,前屈上举为151.2°,外旋为32.2°,内旋达T10水平,Constant-Murley评分为85.6,UCLA为28,SST为8.8,前屈上举的肌力为健侧的65.0%.术后与术前在疼痛、活动范围、肌力及功能方面差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01).不同性别和不同病程在手术前后的差异均无统计学意义.结论通过关节镜手术对损伤的肩袖进行双排重建可获得较为满意的临床治疗结果.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the clinical results of arthroscopic repair of massive rotator cuff tear. Methods The study involved 16 patients with massive rotator cuff tears treated arthroscopically from September 2007 to June 2009. There were 6 males and 11 females at average age 61.5 years (45-75 years). The rotator cuff tears was repaired with arthroscopic double-row reconstruction. The range of motion, pain, strength of flexed elevation and function evaluation score were all recorded before operation and at final follow-up. The results were evaluated by t test and compared according to age and course of disease. Results All patients were healed without complications and the outcome was improved significantly ( P < 0.01 ). The mean VAS score was improved from preoperative 5.6 to postoperative 1.7,the average forward flexion from 69. 1°to 151.2°, the average external rotation from 14.7° to 32.2°, and internal rotation from L1 level to T10, the mean Constant-Murle from 39 to 85, the mean UCLA from 10.4 to 28, the mean SST from 2.8 to 8.8 and the strength of flexed elevation from 10.7% of normal side to 65.0%. Compared with preoperation, there was statistical difference in aspects of pain, range of motion, muscle strength and function in postoperation (P < 0.01 ). Conclusion Arthroscopic doublerow fixation can attain satisfactory results in repair of massive rotator cuff tear.     

The rotator cuff functional index

BACKGROUND: Despite improvements in the clinical assessment of rotator cuff injuries, shortcomings exist in diagnosing rotator cuff tears. PURPOSE: To formulate a clinical rotator cuff functional index for predicting rotator cuff tears based on handheld dynamometer measurements for shoulder strength testing and to assess its ability to diagnose a rotator cuff tear. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Preoperative handheld dynamometer measurements, including supraspinatus, external rotation, internal rotation, adduction, and lift-off force, were compared in 100 patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears (> 1.0 cm) and 100 patients with no rotator cuff injury (confirmed by arthroscopy). Using multiple logistic regression analysis, the rotator cuff functional index and index for rotator cuff tear size were formulated in which 100 represented excellent rotator cuff function and less than 0 indicated a full-thickness supraspinatus tear. Each patient's index was calculated to determine its clinical value in predicting a rotator cuff tear; the Pearson correlation coefficient was established for the rotator cuff functional index for rotator cuff size. RESULTS: Two handheld dynamometer measurements predicted a rotator cuff tear (P < .001, r = 0.53), with rotator cuff functional index = 1.27 * supraspinatus (N) - 0.72 * adduction (N) - 11.6, but not tear size (r = 0.38). In predicting a rotator cuff tear (rotator cuff functional index < 0 = rotator cuff tear; rotator cuff functional index > 0 = no tear), the rotator cuff functional index had 83% sensitivity, 79% specificity, 80% positive predictive value, 82% negative predictive value, likelihood ratio of 4.0 for a positive test result and 0.2 for a negative test result and an accuracy of 81%. CONCLUSION: The 2 most useful tests for determining a rotator cuff tear with a handheld dynamometer were supraspinatus force and adduction force (as negative control). A functional index based on these measurements was able to rule out a rotator cuff tear and predict the presence but not the size of the tear.     

The use of split deltoid-flap in the treatment of massive rotator cuff defects: a retrospective study of 61 patients

Massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears are a challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon. The purpose of this study was to report our experience with the treatment of massive and irreparable defects of the rotator cuff with a modified deltoid split transfer. Between 1996 and 2004, for all patients suffering from full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff (>5 cm tears in diameter, involving two or more tendons) were operated with a modified deltoid split transfer. A total of 61 patients (39 females and 22 males; age 61.9: range 49-75 years) were operated. Duration of symptoms before surgery averaged 9.6 months (range 3.5-14 months). The patients were followed for an average of 46 months (range 24-64 months). The operation included an arthroscopic evaluation, acromioplasty with resection of the lateral clavicular end, resection of the acromioclavicular joint and where necessary biceps tenodesis. The cuff defect was repaired by transfer of half thickness anterior deltoid-flap (3 cm x 5 cm) into the defect. All patients were evaluated both preoperatively and postoperatively with regard to pain, ability to perform activities of daily life, range of motion, strength and satisfaction. The patients subjectively rated their results-49 (80%) excellent or good outcome, seven moderate and five poor. Preoperatively, the Constant amounted 33.5 +/- 7.74 points. At follow-up, the score significantly increased to 77.57 +/- 19.74 points. The acromiohumeral distance increased from 5.1 +/- 1.4 mm to 9.1 +/- 1.5 mm. Pain free flexion improved from an average 90 degrees to an average 165 degrees (P < 0.01), and abduction improved from an average 110 degrees to an average 160 degrees (P < 0.01). The mean external rotation increased from 40 degrees to 65 degrees (P < 0.01), and internal rotation increased from 50 degrees to 70 degrees (P = 0.06). In the MRI and ultrasound examination, all patients had intact flap, except the three patients with flap necrosis. There were eight complications-three haematomas, two superficial wound infections which did not influence the outcome, and three fibrotic transformation after an early aseptic necrosis of the deltoid flap, which were re-operated. This technique is easy to perform, and it is possible to obtain a satisfactory outcome after repair of massive tears of the rotator cuff. A substantial decrease of pain, increased stability, an increase range of motion and strength can be achieved, with proper rehabilitation.     

Portal-extension approach for the repair of small and medium rotator cuff tears

One hundred ten consecutive cases (110 patients) of arthroscopically assisted rotator cuff repair through a limited, portal-extension approach were retrospectively reviewed. The average age of our patients was 58 years (range, 30 to 79). There were 35 women and 75 men. The dominant shoulder was affected in 67 patients (61%). All patients underwent a standard arthroscopic decompression. Acromioclavicular resections were performed in 15% of patients. The anterolateral portal was extended in the direction of Langer's lines to a total length of no more than 3 cm. The torn tendon was accessed through a small deltoid muscle split and repaired with nonabsorbable sutures. At an average follow-up of 35 months (range, 24 to 86), 106 patients (96%) had achieved excellent or satisfactory results. The average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons pain score improved from 7 preoperatively to 2 postoperatively. All but four patients were satisfied with the clinical result and reported significant improvement in active elevation and strength and a significant lessening of pain. Late acromioclavicular joint pain contributed to failure in three of the four patients with unsatisfactory results in this series. The results of this study suggest that, in selected patients with small to medium rotator cuff tears, arthroscopically assisted repair through an anterolateral portal-extension approach can produce excellent results.     

Surgically repaired massive rotator cuff tears: MRI of tendon integrity, muscle fatty degeneration, and muscle atrophy correlated with intraoperative and clinical findings

OBJECTIVE: Our goal in this study was to evaluate by means of MRI the clinical significance of tendon integrity, muscle fatty degeneration, and muscle atrophy in surgically repaired massive rotator cuff tears and to correlate these and other prognostic factors with intraoperative and clinical findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight surgically proven massive rotator cuff tears were retrospectively included in the study. Twenty-two patients underwent complete repair, and six patients underwent partial repair. Preoperative and postoperative clinical assessment was performed by using the University of California at Los Angeles score. Preoperative and postoperative MRI studies were evaluated for the presence and extent of rotator cuff tear and for the degree of fatty degeneration and atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles. RESULTS: At a mean 44.4 months' follow-up, 20 patients (71.4%) had a favorable result. A total of 25 patients (89.2%) showed postoperative full-thickness rotator cuff tear, 19 of which were reruptures. A sagittal preoperative rotator cuff tear of less than or equal to 34 mm showed a specificity of 100% for predicting a favorable outcome. A coronal postoperative rotator cuff tear of less than or equal to 34 mm showed a specificity of 85.7% and a positive predictive value of 92.9% for predicting a favorable outcome. A postoperative fatty degeneration of infraspinatus muscle less than or equal to 2 had a specificity of 87.5% and a positive predictive value of 90.9% for predicting a favorable outcome. CONCLUSION: Open repair of massive rotator cuff tears may reach a favorable outcome in a significant proportion of patients, despite a high rate of recurrent or residual tears. Oblique coronal sizes of the recurrent or residual tear of less than or equal to 34 mm and postoperative fatty degenerations of infraspinatus muscle of less than or equal to 2 may allow a favorable outcome.     

Comparison of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in healthy patients over and under 65 years of age

We compared the outcomes of arthroscopically repaired rotator cuff tears in 28 patients older than 65 years (the over 65 group: median age 70 years) with a control group of 28 patients younger than 65 years (the under 65 group: median age 57 years). The groups were similar in regard to sex distribution, surgical technique, and post-operative rehabilitation programmes, but different in age. After careful arthroscopic evaluation of the full-thickness rotator cuff tear, rotator cuff repair and biceps tenotomy were performed in all patients. Pre- and post-operatively, each patient was evaluated for range of motion, shoulder score (UCLA), and SF-36 self-administered questionnaire. Comparing pre- versus post-operative status at a minimum 24 months follow-up, forward elevation, internal and external rotation, modified UCLA rating system scores, and SF-36 scores improved significantly in both groups, with no significant difference between the groups. At the last follow-up, strength improved significantly in both groups, with non-significant intergroup difference. The Popeye sign was detected in 13/28 (46%) of the patients in the over 65 group and in 11/28 (39%) in the under 65 group (χ = 0.29) with non-significant difference between the two groups. In selected active patients older than 65, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair associated with biceps tenotomy (when necessary) can yield clinical and related quality of life outcomes similar to those of patients younger than 65 years.     

Ultrasonography of the rotator cuff: a comparison with arthroscopy in one-hundred-and-ninety consecutive cases

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of high-resolution ultrasonography compared to arthroscopy in the detection of rotator cuff tears. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Preoperative ultrasonography (US) with a 10-MHz commercially available linear-array transducer and a standardized study protocol was performed in 190 consecutive shoulders in 185 patients with a history of shoulder pain for more than 3 months. The findings at US were classified into intact cuff, partial-thickness, and full-thickness rotator cuff tears, and correlated with findings at shoulder arthroscopy. RESULTS: US correctly depicted 118 of 124 rotator cuff tears with sensitivity 95%, specificity 94%, PPV 97%, NPV 91% and accuracy 95%, all 94 full-thickness tears (sensitivity 100%, specificity 91%, PPV 91%, NPV 100%, and accuracy 95%), 24 of 30 partial-thickness tears (sensitivity 80%, specificity 98%, PPV 86%, NPV 96%, and accuracy 95%). CONCLUSION: US is a highly accurate diagnostic method for detecting full-thickness rotator cuff tears, but is less sensitive in detecting partial-thickness rotator cuff tears.     

Repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears in professional baseball players

BACKGROUND: Despite the relative frequency of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears seen in baseball players, full-thickness rotator cuff tears in baseball players are uncommon. HYPOTHESIS: Return to competitive baseball is difficult after surgical treatment of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: We evaluated the results of 16 professional baseball players after a mini-open repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. Twelve patients were pitchers with injury to their dominant shoulders. Four patients were position players; 2 had injuries involving their dominant shoulders, and 2 had injuries to their nondominant shoulders. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 66.6 months for the pitchers, only 1 player (8%) was able to return to a high competitive level of baseball with no significant shoulder dysfunction after mini-open repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear. Of the 2 position players with mini-open repairs of the full-thickness rotator cuff tear of their dominant shoulders, 1 was able to return to professional baseball. Of the 2 position players with mini-open repairs of the full-thickness rotator cuff tear of their nondominant shoulders, both were able to return to professional baseball at the same or higher level. CONCLUSION: It is very difficult for a professional baseball pitcher to return to a competitive level of pitching after a full-thickness rotator cuff repair with a mini-open approach.     

Rotator cuff tears: assessment with MR arthrography in 275 patients with arthroscopic correlation

We assessed the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography in the diagnosis of articular-sided partial-thickness and full-thickness rotator cuff tears in a large symptomatic population. MR arthrograms obtained in 275 patients including a study group of 139 patients with rotator cuff tears proved by arthroscopy and a control group of 136 patients with arthroscopically intact rotator cuff tendons were reviewed in random order. MR imaging was performed on a 1.0 T system (Magnetom Expert, Siemens). MR arthrograms were analyzed by two radiologists in consensus for articular-sided partial-thickness and full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, and subscapularis tendons. At arthroscopy, 197 rotator cuff tears were diagnosed, including 105 partial-thickness (93 supraspinatus, nine infraspinatus, three subscapularis) and 92 full-thickness (43 supraspinatus, 20 infraspinatus, 29 subscapularis) tendon tears. For full-thickness tears, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 96%, 99%, and 98%, respectively, and for partial tears 80%, 97%, and 95%, respectively. False negative and positive assessments in the diagnosis of articular-sided partial-thickness tears were predominantly [78% (35/45)] observed with small articular-sided (Ellman grade1) tendon tears. MR arthrography is highly accurate in the diagnosis of full-thickness rotator cuff tears and is accurate in the diagnosis of articular-sided partial-thickness tears. Limitations in the diagnosis of partial-thickness tears are mainly restricted to small articular-sided tears (Ellman grade 1) due to difficulties in differentiation between fiber tearing, tendinitis, synovitic changes, and superficial fraying at tendon margins.     

Incidence and symptoms of clinically manifest rotator cuff lesions.

A clinical study of 200 unselected elderly subjects with an average age of 78 years living in retirement homes was performed to determine the prevalence of clinically manifest rotator cuff tears and the relevance of the tear for daily life. A comprehensive questionnaire was performed and the examination included the UCLA- and Constant-shoulder assessment scales and a multitude of special tests. The criteria for clinical diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear were a positive Jobe-test, diminished external rotation, a positive zero-degree-abduction test, the drop arm sign, pseudoparalysis and atrophy. By these criteria we found 28 (7%) rotator cuff tears in 25 people. There were 15 women and 10 men and the mean age of symptom onset was 55 years. Eleven craftsmen, 7 office workers and 7 housewives met our criteria for rotator cuff tears. Pain was present in 22 shoulders. Moderate weakness was found in 2 people and severe weakness in 22. In 20 people the range of motion was severely reduced and in 8 moderately reduced. Activities of daily living were impaired in all affected subjects. Eight people reported onset of symptoms after trauma. Patients with clinically diagnosed rotator cuff tears scored an average of 13 points in the UCLA-shoulder assessment scales and 40 points in the Constant-shoulder assessment scales. In conclusion rotator cuff may be symptomatic only in some people. Probably more anatomic than symptomatic rotator cuff tears exist, and it can be supposed that physical activities may be one possible reason for clinically relevant tears.     

Repair of rotator cuff tears in tennis players.

Twenty-three tennis players with a symptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tear underwent anterior acromioplasty and rotator cuff repair. There were 8 small tears (less than 1 cm), 5 moderate tears (1 to 3 cm), 2 large tears (3 to 5 cm), and 8 massive tears (greater than 5 cm). The dominant shoulder was involved in all patients and all were unable to play tennis before surgery. Eleven patients experienced a traumatic event that caused an injury, 6 while playing tennis, and 12 patients had a gradual onset of symptoms. At average follow-up of 42 months, 19 patients (83%) achieved a good result, were pain-free, and were able to play tennis at their presymptomatic competitive level. Three patients (13%), all with massive tears, had a satisfactory result and were able to play tennis, although at a lower competitive level secondary to weakness. One patient (4%), who also had a massive tear, had an unsatisfactory result and was unable to play tennis.     

Clinical Y-view versus 3-dimensional assessments of intramuscular fat in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears

Rationale and Objectives.Recent evidence suggests an inhomogeneous distribution of intramuscular rotator cuff fat infiltration (FI) in a small sample of individuals with rotator cuff tears, yet clinically just a few slices at the scapular Y-view are used to evaluate FI in patients with rotator cuff tears. The purpose of this study was to determine if assessment of FI using the scapular Y-view is representative of the entire muscle in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears, and whether this varies by tear size.Materials and methodsPatients (N = 25) diagnosed with full-thickness rotator cuff tear and confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were included. Fat-water sequences were used to objectively quantify mean FI (%) in the entire 3D muscle and the mean from 3 slices at the Y-view. Mixed-model 2 × 2 ANOVAs were used to assess for differences between methods, and if results vary by tear-size.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between mean amount of FI of the entire 3D muscle and mean Y-view in the supraspinatus or infraspinatus muscles (p > 0.05). Additionally, this did not differ across tear size groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionResults of this study suggest FI assessed in the Y-view is not different (mean difference < 1.0%) from FI of the entire 3D muscle in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Therefore, the clinical utility of evaluating rotator cuff intramuscular fat infiltration with the Y-view is further supported in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears across tear sizes.     

Are pain location and physical examinations useful in locating a tear site of the rotator cuff?

BACKGROUND: Pain is the most common symptom of patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy, but little is known about the relationship between the site of pain and the site of cuff pathologic lesions. Also, accuracies of physical examinations used to locate a tear by assessing the muscle strength seem to be affected by the threshold for muscle weakness, but no studies have been reported regarding the efficacies of physical examinations in reference to their threshold. HYPOTHESIS: Pain location is useful in locating a tear site. Efficacies of physical examinations to evaluate the function of the cuff muscles depend on the threshold for muscle weakness. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of 160 shoulders of 149 patients (mean age, 53 years) with either rotator cuff tears (140 shoulders) or cuff tendinitis (20 shoulders). The location of pain was recorded on a standardized form with 6 different areas. The diagnostic accuracies of the following tests were assessed with various thresholds for muscle weakness: supraspinatus test, the external rotation strength test, and the lift-off test. RESULTS: Lateral and anterior portions of the shoulder were the most common sites of pain regardless of existence of tear or tear location. The supraspinatus test was most accurate when it was assessed to have positive results with the muscle strength less than manual muscle testing grade 5, whereas the lift-off test was most accurate with a threshold less than grade 3. The external rotation strength test was most accurate with a threshold of less than grade 4+. CONCLUSION: The authors conclude that pain location is not useful in locating the site of a tear, whereas the physical examinations aiming to locate the tear site are clinically useful when assessed to have positive results with appropriate threshold for muscle weakness.     

Interobserver agreement in the classification of rotator cuff tears

BACKGROUND: Six classification systems have been proposed for describing rotator cuff tears designed to help understand their natural history and make treatment decisions. PURPOSE: To assess the interobserver variation for these classification systems and identify the method with the best interobserver agreement. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Six rotator cuff tear classification systems were identified in a literature search. The components of these systems included partial-thickness rotator cuff tears and classification by size, shape, configuration, number of tendons involved, and by extent, topography, and nature of the biceps. Twelve fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons who each perform at least 30 rotator cuff repairs per year reviewed arthroscopy videos from 30 patients with a random assortment of rotator cuff tears and classified them by the 6 classification systems. Interobserver variation was determined by a kappa analysis. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was high when distinguishing between full-thickness and partial-thickness tears (0.95, kappa = 0.85). The investigators agreed on the side (articular vs bursal) of involvement for partial-thickness tears (observed agreement 0.92, kappa = 0.85) but could not agree when classifying the depth of the partial-thickness tear (observed agreement 0.49, kappa = 0.19). The best agreement for full-thickness tears was seen when the tear was classified by topography (degree of retraction) in the frontal plane (observed agreement 0.70, kappa = 0.54). CONCLUSION: With the exception of distinguishing partial-thickness from full-thickness rotator cuff tears and identifying the side (articular vs bursal) of involvement with partial-thickness tears, currently described rotator cuff classification systems have little interobserver agreement among experienced shoulder surgeons. Researchers should consider describing full-thickness rotator cuff tears by topography (degree of retraction) in the frontal plane.     

Anterior versus posterior, and rim-rent rotator cuff tears: prevalence and MR sensitivity

Purpose. To determine the relative distribution of the locations of rotator cuff tears, and the sensitivity of anterior versus posterior tears on MR images. Patients and methods. We identified 110 consecutive patients who had a shoulder MR and either a partial-thickness or a small full-thickness rotator cuff tear diagnosed at arthroscopy. From the arthroscopy videotapes, we classified the tears as centered in the anterior or posterior half of the cuff, and as either in the critical zone or adjacent to the bony insertion. The original MR interpretation was compared with the arthroscopic findings. MR sensitivity and patient age were compared between patients with tears in the anterior and posterior halves of the cuff. In addition, in patients with partial tears less than 2 cm in diameter, an age comparison between those with tears in the critical zone and those with articular surface tears adjacent to the bony insertion (rim-rent tear) was performed. Results. The tear was centered in the anterior half of the rotator cuff in 79% of the patients younger than 36 years old, and in 89% of the patients 36 years old and over. The average age of the patients with tears in the anterior half (44 years) was not significantly different from the average age of those with posterior tears (40 years)(P=0.23). The sensitivity of MR for anterior tears was 0.69, and for posterior tears it was 0.56 (P=0.17). The average age of the 9 patients with rim-rent tears was 31 years, while that of the 28 patients with similarly-sized partial tears not involving the insertion was 40 years old (P=0.048). Five of the nine rim-rent tears (0.56) were interpreted correctly on the original MR report; two of the other tears were misinterpreted as intratendinous fluid but were diagnosable in retrospect. Conclusion. Even in patients less than 36 years old, most partial and small full-thickness rotator cuff tears are centered in the anterior half of the supraspinatus. Although our figure for MR sensitivity for these tears is lower than in recent articles, we found no significant difference between the sensitivity of MR for diagnosing posterior tears versus tears in the anterior half of the supraspinatus tendon. Rim-rent tears can be mistaken for intratendinous signal, and should be carefully looked for in younger patients with shoulder pain.     

关节镜下肩袖损伤修补术后早期运动和制动对肩关节功能的影响

目的 探讨早期康复被动运动和制动对关节镜下肩袖损伤修补术后肩关节功能的影响.方法 采用回顾性病例对照研究分析2016年1月至2017年12月上海交通大学医学院附属新华医院收治的78例肩袖损伤患者临床资料,其中男36例,女42例;年龄35～78岁[(62.7 ±3.2)岁].中度撕裂(1～3 cm)36例,小撕裂(<1 ...     

Outcome and structural integrity after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using 2 rows of fixation: minimum 2-year follow-up

BACKGROUND: Although arthroscopic repairs of the rotator cuff are becoming increasingly popular, security of fixation remains a concern. Two-row repairs have been described, but clinical outcome reports have primarily involved open techniques. HYPOTHESIS: An arthroscopic repair technique that uses 2 rows of fixation produces satisfactory outcome and structural integrity by ultrasonography. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Forty-eight patients (52 shoulders) with a full-thickness, but fully reducible, rotator cuff tear who met the inclusion criteria were treated with an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using 2 rows of suture anchors. The mean tear size was 2.47 cm (range, 1-4 cm). Patients were evaluated by subjective functional assessment (L'Insalata Shoulder Rating Questionnaire), clinical examination, including measured strength testing, and ultrasonography. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 30 months (minimum of 2 years), functional scores improved from a mean of 42 preoperatively to 93 postoperatively (P < .001). Active range of motion was increased in all measured planes (P < .001). Strength was also increased in elevation (P < .001), external rotation (P < .001), and internal rotation (P = .033). Nine of the 52 shoulders (17%) had evidence of retear or persistent defect on postoperative ultrasonography. There were no differences detected in functional scores between those with an intact repair and those with a defect, but those with an intact repair were stronger in elevation (P = .006) and external rotation (P = .001). CONCLUSION: An arthroscopic 2-row rotator cuff repair produces excellent functional outcome and repair integrity comparable with previously reported open repairs. Presence of a defect after repair did not appear to affect patient-reported function and return to preinjury activity but did affect measured strength.     

Tear progression of symptomatic full-thickness and partial-thickness rotator cuff tears as measured by repeated MRI

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to analyse the natural course of symptomatic full-thickness and partial-thickness rotator cuff tears treated non-operatively and to identify risk factors affecting tear enlargement.

Methods

One hundred and twenty-two patients who received non-surgical treatment for a partial- or full-thickness supraspinatus tear were included in this study. All rotator cuff tears were diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the same modality was used for follow-up studies. Follow-up MRI was performed after at least a 6-month interval. We evaluated the correlation between tear enlargement and follow-up duration. Eleven risk factors were analysed by both univariate and multivariate analyses to identify factors that affect enlargement of rotator cuff tears. The mean follow-up period was 24.4 ± 19.5 months.

Results

Out of 122 patients, 34 (27.9%) patients had an initial full-thickness tear and 88 (72.1%) patients had a partial-thickness tear. Considering all patients together, tear size increased in 51/122 (41.8%) patients, was unchanged in 65/122 (53.3%) patients, and decreased in 6/122 (4.9%) patients. Tear size increased for 28/34 (82.4%) patients with full-thickness tears and 23/88 (26.1%) patients with partial-thickness tears. From the two groups which were followed over 12 months, a higher rate of enlargement was observed in full-thickness tears than in partial-thickness tears (6–12 months, n.s.; 12–24 months, P = 0.002; over 24 months, P < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that having a full-thickness tear was the most reliable risk factor for tear progression (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study found that 28/34 (82.4%) of symptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears and 23/88 (26.1%) of symptomatic partial-thickness tears increased in size over a follow-up period of 6–100 months. Full-thickness tears showed a higher rate of enlargement than partial-thickness tears regardless of the follow-up duration. Univariate and multivariate analyses suggested that full-thickness tear was the most reliable risk factor for tear enlargement. The clinical relevance of these observations is that full-thickness rotator cuff tears treated conservatively should be monitored more carefully for progression than partial-thickness tears.

Level of evidence

IV.

     

合并肩袖损伤的肩关节盂唇损伤的临床特征

目的 分析合并肩袖损伤的肩关节盂唇损伤患者的临床特征,提出其发病规律与病变特点,为临床微创手术治疗提供参考. 方法 本组50例,其中男28例,女22例;年龄30～58岁,平均45岁.记录患者的损伤机制、损伤时间、临床症状、体征,摄X线片和MRI.根据临床诊断,采用肩关节镜微创手术修复盂唇和肩袖损伤,记录损伤部位、范围及程度并进行分析.本组表现前盂唇损伤37例,上盂唇撕裂8例,后盂唇损伤5例;肩袖损伤轻度36例,中度10例,重度3例,特大裂口1例.其中肩袖前侧(冈上肌前侧)损伤21例,中部损伤(冈上肌与冈下肌部)16例,后部损伤(冈下肌部、小圆肌)13例.盂唇损伤的MRI表现为:三角外形消失,前关节囊扩大.肩袖损伤表现为:损伤部位高信号,连续性丧失. 结果 本组患者平均随访36个月(6～72个月),临床效果满意.美国加州洛杉矶大学关节功能评分标准(UCLA)评分:术前(15±3)分,术后(32±3)分(P＜0.01). 结论 创伤性肩关节盂唇损伤患者常同时合并肩袖损伤,临床上应予重视,避免遗漏诊断或耽误治疗.盂唇损伤范围与肩袖损伤部位存在对应关系,盂唇损伤范围越大,肩袖损伤越接近后侧.     

Ultrasonography for diagnosis of rotator cuff tear

 In this study the clinical usefulness of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears was assessed. One hundred twenty-two patients undergoing preoperative ultrasonography were evaluated surgically. Three different ultrasonographic machines were applied with a 7.5-MHz linear-array transducer. Surgery confirmed a sensitivity of 79% for full-thickness tears and 50% for partial thickness tears. In 73 patients with negative ultrasonographic findings, the specifity was 100% for full-thickness tears and 90% for partial-thickness tears. The diagnostic sensitivity for full-thickness tears of the Hitachi EUB-340 system was significantly lower than those of Hitachi EUB-415 and EUB-515, and thus the former cannot be recommended for detection of rotator cuff tears. The sensitivity with regard to partial-thickness tears was also significantly lower with the Hitachi EUB-340 system as compared to the Hitachi EUB-515. There were no significant differences in false-positive rate among the three machines used. In conclusion, accurate ultrasonographic diagnosis of rotator cuff tear requires a high-resolution machine, as well as considerable experience in interpretation.