Mattress suture-bridge technique for bursal-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tears

The standard procedure used to repair partial-thickness tears involves initial progression of the lesion to a full-thickness tear prior to tendon repair. However, the option for a bursal-side partial-thickness rotator cuff tear includes the preservation of as much of the remaining intact fibers as possible. Instead of inserting suture anchors in the medial row, as in the conventional suture-bridge technique, two mattress sutures are inserted into the rotator cuff. Full-thickness access is achieved using a percutaneous spinal needle and medial mattress sutures to preserve the articular bone attachment of the remnant fibers and to compress the repaired tendon on the footprint. Our method can help preserve the remnant rotator cuff tendon without tissue damage and can restore the normal rotator cuff footprint.     

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is being performed by an increasing number of orthopaedic surgeons. The principles, techniques, and instrumentation have evolved to the extent that all patterns and sizes of rotator cuff tear, including massive tears, can now be repaired arthroscopically. Achieving a biomechanically stable construct is critical to biologic healing. The ideal repair construct must optimize suture-to-bone fixation, suture-to-tendon fixation, abrasion resistance of suture, suture strength, knot security, loop security, and restoration of the anatomic rotator cuff footprint (the surface area of bone to which the cuff tendons attach). By achieving optimized repair constructs, experienced arthroscopic surgeons are reporting results equal to those of open rotator cuff repair. As surgeons' arthroscopic skill levels increase through attendance at surgical skills courses and greater experience gained in the operating room, there will be an increasing trend toward arthroscopic repair of most rotator cuff pathology.     

Arthroscopic bone tunnel augmentation for rotator cuff repair

Transosseous repair of the rotator cuff has been shown to recreate the anatomic rotator cuff footprint in a secure and cost-efficient manner. However, the potential for sutures cutting through bone remains a concern with this strategy. Devices have been used successfully during open transosseous rotator cuff repair to augment the bone tunnels, potentially avoiding suture cut-out through the weak bone of the greater tuberosity. Recently, arthroscopic transosseous fixation of rotator cuff tears has become an alternative to arthroscopic suture anchor and open transosseous techniques. This method is expected to have the same potential pitfalls at the bone-suture interface as the open technique. The authors describe a technique for rotator cuff repair using a secure method of arthroscopic bone tunnel augmentation.     

The low-profile Roman bridge technique for knotless double-row repair of the rotator cuff

With advances in arthroscopic surgery, many techniques have been developed to increase the tendon–bone contact area, reconstituting a more anatomic configuration of the rotator cuff footprint and providing a better environment for tendon healing. We present a low-profile arthroscopic rotator cuff repair technique which uses suture bridges to optimize rotator cuff tendon–footprint contact area and mean pressure. A 5.5 mm Bio-Corkscrew suture anchor (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA), double-loaded with No. 2 FiberWire sutures (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA), is placed in the anteromedial aspect of the footprint. Two suture limbs from a single suture are both passed through a single anterior point in the rotator cuff. One suture limb is retrieved from the cannula. The second suture limb is passed through a single posterior point in the rotator cuff producing two points of fixation in the tendon, with a tendon bridge between them. The same suture limb is retrieved through the lateral portal, and then inserted into the bone by means of a Pushlock (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA), placed approximately 1.5–2 cm posterior to the first anchor. This second suture is passed again in the posterior aspect of the cuff. The limbs of the first suture are pulled to compress the tendon in the medial aspect of the footprint. The two free suture limbs are used to produce suture bridges over the tendon by means of a Pushlock (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA), placed 1 cm distal to the lateral edge of the footprint relative to the medially placed suture anchors anterior to posterior. This technique allows us to perform a low-profile (single pulley–suture bridges) repair for knotless double-row repair of the rotator cuff.     

Early pullout of lateral row knotless anchor in rotator cuff repair

Use of lateral row anchors in rotator cuff repair as a means of enhancing the strength of the repair; and improving footprint tendon contact, thus promoting healing, is becoming more popular in current arthroscopic practice. In our knowledge, failures of lateral row knotless anchors have not yet been reported. We present a case of double row rotator cuff repair using a Swivelock anchor (Arthrex) as a lateral row anchor that failed two weeks after surgery.     

Biologic and pharmacologic augmentation of rotator cuff repairs

As rotator cuff repair techniques have improved, failure of the tendon to heal to the proximal humerus is less likely to occur from weak tendon-to-bone fixation. More likely causes of failure include biologic factors such as intrinsic tendon degeneration, fatty atrophy, fatty infiltration of muscle, and lack of vascularity of the tendons. High failure rates have led to the investigation of biologic augmentation to potentially enhance the healing response. Histologic studies have shown that restoration of the rotator cuff footprint during repair can help reestablish the enthesis. In animal models, growth factors and their delivery scaffolds as well as tissue engineering have shown promise in decreasing scar tissue while maintaining biomechanical strength. Platelet-rich plasma may be a safe adjuvant to rotator cuff repair, but it has not been shown to improve healing or function. Many of these strategies need to be further defined to permit understanding of, and to optimize, the biologic environment; in addition, techniques need to be refined for clinical use.     

Revisiting the rotator cuff footprint

Newer studies challenged the traditionally held belief that the supraspinatus inserts on the entire superior facet and the infraspinatus is attached on the entire middle facet of the greater tuberosity. They showed that the infraspinatus tendon is thicker anteriorly and can be differentiated from the posterior part of the supraspinatus. Hence, the newer studies showed that the supraspinatus attached in a much smaller area than previously thought, and infraspinatus occupied the lateral part of the superior facet of the greater tuberosity. This review aimed to present all the older and current knowledge of the rotator cuff insertion and discuss how this knowledge may affect the surgical repair of the rotator cuff tendons. Our review has synthesized and compared the differences and similarities between the older and the newer knowledge about the footprint anatomy of the cuff tendons and the capsule attachment. We have also highlighted how the newer knowledge impacts the way we treat the tears of the rotator cuff tendons.Level of evidenceReview of basic science studies.     

Bone grafting of humeral head cystic defects during rotator cuff repair

Cystic bony defects of the humeral head greater tuberosity are often encountered during rotator cuff repair. These defects may be idiopathic, related to a patient's rotator cuff disease, or secondary to suture anchor placement from previous repairs. Some cysts are visible on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, but most are discovered on footprint exploration or implant removal during revision surgery. These osseous defects reduce biological healing capacity and may decrease repair fixation strength. Bone grafting techniques are needed to address these defects. In this article, we present an arthroscopic allograft compaction technique with concomitant suture anchor rotator cuff repair.     

关节镜下止点内移缝合修复巨大肩袖撕裂

目的：探讨关节镜下止点内移缝合修复巨大肩袖撕裂的方法和疗效。方法：回顾性分析2015年3月至2019年4月行关节镜下止点内移缝合修复巨大肩袖撕裂患者27例。其中男12例,女15例;年龄37~74（56.1±8.9）岁。术中根据肩袖张力,选用关节镜下双排缝线桥技术修复5例,单排修复22例,其中7例部分肩袖修复。手术前后采用美国加州大学洛杉矶分校（University of California Los Angeles,UCLA）评分,美国肩肘外科协会（American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Form,ASES）评分评估肩关节功能,视觉模拟评分（visual analogue scale,VAS）评估疼痛情况。结果：所有患者获随访,时间8~40（18.0±5.9）个月,UCLA评分由术前的（8.67±0.78）分提高至末次随访的（30.89±1.07）分（t=43.56,P<0.001）;ASES评分由术前的（8.56±0.67）分提高至末次随访的（12.63±0.33）分（t=15.28,P<0.001）;VAS评分由术前的6.00（5.00~7.00）分改善至末次随访的0.00（0.00~2.00）分（Z=-4.56,P<0.001）。3例患肩上举不能过顶,但无疼痛,不影响日常工作、生活,其中2例为部分肩袖修补。结论：关节镜下止点内移缝合修复巨大肩袖撕裂能取得较满意的疗效,大部分病例可选择单排完全或部分修复肩袖。     

All arthroscopic treatment of rotator cuff tears

Although shoulder arthroscopy was initially performed solely for subacromial decompression, at present it is widely used for rotator cuff repairs and reconstruction. All arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs have been performed increasingly over the past decade and favorable long-term results have been reported in the literature. All arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has advantages over mini-open, or open rotator cuff repair, because it is associated with less postoperative pain and morbidity, and a more rapid improvement in shoulder motion. However, complete arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a technically difficult procedure, with some limitations including relative weakness of tendon sutures and the need for more experience. It is essential that the merits and demerits associated with this technique should be balanced depending on the individual condition of the patient and the degree of experience gained. This article revisits all arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with regard to advantages and disadvantages, surgical techniques, indications, postoperative rehabilitation, and the results both in the light of the literature and our experience.     

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using a single-row of triple-loaded suture anchors with a modified suture configuration

Achieving an adequate restoration of the muscle–tendon–bone unit and the anatomical footprint is essential for a successful outcome in open and arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The described suture grasping technique using triple-loaded suture anchors might combine high initial fixation strength with good footprint coverage. It describes two mattress’ stitches medial at the articular margin of the tendon. Additionally, a third mattress stitch is performed laterally to increase footprint contact and avoid dog-ear deformity. The triple-mattress repair is easy to perform and might be a good alternative in either arthroscopic or open rotator cuff repair.     

Part I: Footprint contact characteristics for a transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair technique compared with a double-row repair technique

Rotator cuff repair via transosseous tunnels can improve footprint contact area and pressure when compared with suture anchor techniques. A double-row technique has been used clinically to improve footprint coverage by a repaired tendon. We hypothesized that a transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair via tendon suture bridges would demonstrate improved pressurized contact between the tendon and tuberosity when compared with a double-row technique. In 6 fresh-frozen human shoulders, a transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair was performed: a suture limb from each of 2 medial anchors was bridged over the tendon and fixed laterally with an interference screw (4 suture bridges). In 6 of the contralateral specimens, two types of repair were performed randomly in each specimen: (1) a double-row repair and (2) a transosseous-equivalent repair with a single screw (2 suture bridges). For all repairs, pressure-sensitive film was placed at the tendon-footprint interface, and software was used to obtain measurements. The mean pressurized contact area between the tendon and insertion was significantly greater for the 4-suture bridge technique (124.2 +/- 16.3 mm2, 77.6% footprint) compared with both the double-row (63.3 +/- 28.5 mm2, 39.6% footprint) and 2-suture bridge (99.7 +/- 22.0 mm2, 62.3% footprint) techniques (P < .05). The mean interface pressure exerted over the footprint by the tendon was greater for the 4-suture bridge technique (0.27 +/- 0.04 MPa) than for the double-row technique (0.19 +/- 0.01 MPa) (P = .002). The transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair technique can improve pressurized contact area and mean pressure between the tendon and footprint when compared with a double-row technique. A transosseous-equivalent technique, using suture bridges, may help optimize the healing biology at a repaired rotator cuff insertion.     

Arthroscopic treatment of massive rotator cuff tears

In the past 10 years, arthroscopic surgeons have gone from being unable to repair any rotator cuff tears arthroscopically to being able to repair virtually all rotator cuff tears, even complex massive tears, arthroscopically. The factors responsible for this rapid evolution have been: (1) recognition of the mechanical principles responsible for a secure repair (margin convergence, knot security, loop security); (2) recognition of major tear patterns that require different techniques of repair; and (3) development of instrumentation and arthroscopic portals that predictably accomplish secure repair of the rotator cuff and direct access to the pathologic areas. In the current study, the author analyzes each factor, anatomic and mechanical, that influences the quality of the repair, and explains how to optimize the overall repair by optimizing each step in the repair. In the author's series of arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears, the results have been gratifying, with massive tears achieving final results equivalent to those of smaller tears.     

Microfractures at the rotator cuff footprint: a randomised controlled study

Purpose

Microfractures at the footprint may be a potential additional source of growth factor and enhance the tendon healing at the bone-tendon junction when repairing rotator cuff tears.

Methods

Fifty-seven patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy for repair of complete rotator cuff tears were randomly divided into two groups, using a block randomisation procedure. Patients underwent microfracture at the footprint in the treatment group. The patients in the control group (n?=?29) did not receive that treatment. All patients had the same post-operative rehabilitation protocol.

Results

The two groups were homogeneous. There was a significant improvement from baseline to the last minimum follow-up of two years. At three months from the index procedure, visual analogue scale (VAS), range of motion (ROM) and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and Constant scores were significantly better in group 1 than in group 2 (P?<?.05). At the last follow-up (minimum two years), clinical and functional outcomes were further improved in both the groups but inter-group differences were not significant. No technique-related complications were recorded.

Conclusions

Microfractures at the footprint are simple, safe, inexpensive and effective at producing less pain in the short term in patients who undergo rotator cuff repair, but at two years they do not result in significantly different outcomes, either clinically or at imaging, compared to traditional rotator cuff repair.     

Arthroscopic rotator cuff tear repair

Rotator cuff injuries or disease can be particularly troubling to patients by causing them pain, weakness, and dysfunction of the shoulder. Surgery of the shoulder and, in particular, of the rotator cuff, has evolved over the years from open surgery to include arthroscopic treatment for many conditions. Although technically demanding, arthroscopic repair of full- and partial-thickness rotator cuff tears has been shown to produce satisfactory results. Along with the advantages of the arthroscopic technique, smaller skin incisions, access to the glenohumeral joint for inspection and treatment of intra-articular lesions, no detachment of the deltoid, and less soft-tissue dissection, patients' results are comparable with those obtained with the open method of repair. The three phases of shoulder rehabilitation for patients who have undergone surgical treatment of rotator cuff disease are described: Phase 1, the immediate postoperative, or protective, phase; phase 2, the progressive strengthening phase; and phase 3, the advanced conditioning and return-to-sport phase. The postoperative rehabilitation programs for the arthroscopic and mini-open rotator cuff repair are essentially the same.     

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with double-row fixation

BACKGROUND: The treatment of rotator cuff tears has evolved from open surgical repairs to complete arthroscopic repairs over the past two decades. In this study, we reviewed the results of arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs with the so-called double-row, or footprint, reconstruction technique. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2002, 264 patients underwent an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with double-row fixation. The average age at the time of the operation was fifty-nine years. Two hundred and thirty-eight patients (242 shoulders) were available for follow-up; 210 were evaluated with a full clinical examination and thirty-two, with a questionnaire only. Preoperative and postoperative examinations consisted of determination of a Constant score and a visual analogue score for pain as well as a full physical examination of the shoulder. Ultrasonography was done at a minimum of twelve months postoperatively to assess the integrity of the cuff. RESULTS: The average score for pain improved from 7.4 points (range, 3 to 10 points) preoperatively to 0.7 point (range, 0 to 3 points) postoperatively. The subjective outcome was excellent or good in 220 (90.9%) of the 242 shoulders. The average increase in the Constant score after the operation was 25.4 points (range, 0 to 57 points). Ultrasonography demonstrated an intact rotator cuff in 83% (174) of the shoulders overall, 47% (fifteen) of the thirty-two with a repair of a massive tear, 78% (thirty-two) of the forty-one with a repair of a large tear, 93% (113) of the 121 with a repair of a medium tear, and 88% (fourteen) of the sixteen with a repair of a small tear. Strength and active elevation increased significantly more in the group with an intact repair at the time of follow-up than in the group with a failed repair; however, there was no difference in the pain scores. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with double-row fixation can achieve a high percentage of excellent subjective and objective results. Integrity of the repair can be expected in the majority of shoulders treated for a large, medium, or small tear, and the strength and range of motion provided by an intact repair are significantly better than those following a failed repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV.     

Current concepts review: revision rotator cuff repair

Failed rotator cuff repair may be caused by surgical complications, diagnostic errors, technical errors, failure to heal, and traumatic failure. Revision rotator cuff repair is made technically more difficult by poor tissue quality, tissue adhesions, and retained suture and suture anchor material. Historically, open revision rotator cuff repair yields inferior results compared with primary rotator cuff repair; however, more recent studies show 52% to 69% satisfactory results in small-sized or medium-sized tears. Arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair yields greater than 60% good or excellent results. Poor tissue quality, detachment of the deltoid origin, and multiple previous surgeries are risk factors for poor results in revision rotator cuff repair.     

肩袖损伤的关节镜下治疗

目的探讨肩关节镜手术治疗肩袖损伤的适应证选择、手术技巧和疗效。方法2002年3月至2005年5月对68例患者行关节镜下肩袖重建,其中40例获得随访,以其为研究对象。年龄30~81岁,平均年龄56岁,其中29例发生于主力侧。根据Gerber分型,其中部分肩袖损伤8例,中小型肩袖损伤27例,巨大肩袖损伤5例。手术均采用金属缝合锚(Super-Revo)进行肩袖重建。分别在术前及最终随访时采用美国肩肘医师协会评分(ASES)、Constant-Murley评分以及简易肩关节评分(SST)问卷进行功能评估。结果40例患者获得随访,随访时间12~40个月,平均20.6个月。40例患者手术前及终末随访时ASES平均分为72.6对92.3(P<0.001),其中VAS疼痛评分平均为6.2对1.8(P<0.001),肩关节平均前屈上举为74.5°对146.0°(P<0.001),平均外旋为27.8°对38.3°(P<0.01),ASES评分为优和良所占的比例为92.5%(37/40),平均Constant-Murley评分为69.6对90.4(P<0.001),Constant-Murley评分为优和良所占的比例为90.0%(36/40)。结论肩关节镜下肩袖重建手术具有损伤小、肩关节功能恢复快等特点,尤其在保护三角肌方面具有独到的优势,是治疗肩袖损伤的有效方法之一。正确的适应证选择、熟练的关节镜下操作技术以及术后严格的功能康复锻炼是手术成功的关键。     

Transtendon arthroscopic repair of high grade partial-thickness articular surface tears of the rotator cuff with biceps tendon augmentation: technical note and preliminary results

Introduction  

Partial articular surface of the rotator cuff tendon tears has been recognized as a source of treatable shoulder pain and a precursory pathology for full-thickness tendon tears. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is a possible surgical method of treatment. Recent data have shown that the treating partial-thickness rotator cuff repairs with transtendon technique shows good clinical outcome. The use of this technique enables the reconstitution of the tendon with complete reconstruction of its footprint without damaging its intact bursal part. In cases of high grade partial articular-sided degenerative rotator cuff tears (involving >50% of the tendon) in older patients, there is a possibility of poor healing or re-tear of the rotator cuff repair, which may be associated with poor tendon quality and substantial thinning of the rotator cuff, subsequently revision surgery in these patients will be demanding.     

Re-tears after rotator cuff repair: Current concepts review

Re-tear following rotator cuff repair is common and has been reported to range from between 13 and 94% despite satisfactory clinical outcomes following rotator cuff surgery. Various risk factors have been associated with an increased tear rate, including patient factors, tear and shoulder morphology, repair technique, and rehabilitation regimes. Different modes of rotator cuff failure have been described. The management of re-tear in patients following rotator cuff repair is challenging and depends on the age, functional status and requirements of the patient, and re-tear size and residual tendon length. This article aims to review the factors associated with rotator cuff re-tear. It describes which of these are associated with poor clinical outcomes, and discusses the long-term outcomes of re-tear and treatment options.