Massive rotator cuff tears: the result of partial rotator cuff repair

Massive rotator cuff tears often defy traditional repair techniques and have led to a variety of treatment recommendations. We reviewed retrospectively the results of partial repair of massive rotator cuff tears in 24 patients. Overall results were excellent in 11 patients (46%), good in 5 (21%), fair in 7 (29%), and poor in 1 (4%). Ninety-two percent of patients were satisfied with the result of surgery. Satisfactory pain relief was achieved in 83% (P<.001). Active elevation improved from 114 degrees to 154 degrees , and no patient lost strength after surgery. The ability to raise the arm to at least 135 degrees improved from 13 patients preoperatively to 21 patients postoperatively. This series serves as a basis of comparison to debridement, tendon transfers, and tendon augmentation procedures for the treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.     

Part II: Biomechanical assessment for a footprint-restoring transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair technique compared with a double-row repair technique

We hypothesized that a transosseous-equivalent repair would demonstrate improved tensile strength and gap formation 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 two medial anchors was bridged over the tendon and fixed laterally with an interference screw. In 6 contralateral matched-pair specimens, a double-row repair was performed. For all repairs, a materials testing machine was used to load each repair cyclically from 10 N to 180 N for 30 cycles; each repair underwent tensile testing to measure failure loads at a deformation rate of 1 mm/sec. Gap formation between the tendon edge and insertion was measured with a video digitizing system. The mean ultimate load to failure was significantly greater for the transosseous-equivalent technique (443.0 +/- 87.8 N) compared with the double-row technique (299.2 +/- 52.5 N) (P = .043). Gap formation during cyclic loading was not significantly different between the transosseous-equivalent and double-row techniques, with mean values of 3.74 +/- 1.51 mm and 3.79 +/- 0.68 mm, respectively (P = .95). Stiffness for all cycles was not statistically different between the two constructs (P > .40). The transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair technique improves ultimate failure loads when compared with a double-row technique. Gap formation is similar for both techniques. A transosseous-equivalent repair helps restore footprint dimensions and provides a stronger repair than the double-row technique, which may help optimize healing biology.     

Double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: re-establishing the footprint of the rotator cuff

Recently, there has been an increased interest in the normal anatomy of the rotator cuff footprint and the re-establishment of the footprint during rotator cuff repair. Single-row suture anchor techniques have been criticized because of their inability to restore the normal medial-to-lateral width of the rotator cuff footprint. In this report, the authors describe a double-row technique for rotator cuff repair that re-establishes the normal rotator cuff footprint, increases the contact area for healing, and may potentially improve clinical results.     

Complications associated with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a literature review

The aim of this literature review was to report complications associated with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). A computerized search of articles published between 200 and 2009 was performed using MEDLINE and PubMed. We included clinical studies (Level 1–4): (a) investigating patients with rotator cuff tears, managed by a completely arthroscopic RCR technique; (b) reported data about complications. Data about arthroscopic-assisted techniques were excluded. Articles that meet criteria inclusion were analytically examined. Complications were classified into general complications and specific complications related to arthroscopic RCR. We found 414 complications in 2,890 patients; most of them were specific complications related to arthroscopic RCR. Re-rupture was the most frequently encountered complication: re-tear rate ranged between 11.4 and 94%. Stiffness and hardware-related complications were observed in 74 and 12 patients, respectively. Eleven less common complications were also reported: 5 neurovascular, 3 septic, 2 thromboembolic events, and 1 anesthesiological complication. This review stated that arthroscopic RCR is a low-risk surgical procedure. Anatomical failure of the repair is the most common complication encountered in the literature.     

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using a transhumeral approach to fixation

A new technique for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using arthroscopically placed transhumeral sutures is presented. After an adequate acromioplasty is performed, a modified anterior cruciate ligament tibial drill guide is used to drill two or more transhumeral holes from the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction of the humerus to the greater tuberosity. Sutures are then passed into these holes and through the rotator cuff using cannulated needles. The sutures are tied manually and the repair is inspected. The postoperative protocol is presented. The new technique may be superior to the current methods for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in that (1) the strength of fixation does not rely on the quality of the bone in the greater tuberosity of the humeral head (which can be quite poor) as suture anchor techniques do, (2) the sutures are easily passed through the rotator cuff without relying on complicated suture passing techniques, (3) the knots are tied without the aide of an arthroscopic knot-tying device, and (4) in cadaveric studies, the failure strength of this new repair was equal to the strength of a traditional open repair. Prospective studies are ongoing to assess the efficacy of this new technique.Arthroscopy 1998 Jan-Feb;14(1):118-22     

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: transition from mini-open to all-arthroscopic

Rotator cuff repair is one of the most common surgical procedures done in the shoulder. Traditionally, repair has required an open incision with release of a portion of the deltoid from the acromion. In the past decade, an arthroscopically-assisted, mini-open approach has gained popularity. This has been facilitated by advances in the use of arthroscopy. This trend toward a more minimally invasive approach has continued as arthroscopic techniques continue to improve and advance. An all-arthroscopic approach recently has been used for rotator cuff repairs. The arthroscopic approach offers several advantages including smaller incisions, easy access to the glenohumeral joint for treatment of intraarticular diseases, less soft tissue dissection, and less potential harm to the deltoid. The purpose of the current study is to discuss recent advances in arthroscopic and mini-open rotator cuff repair techniques and to highlight the technical aspects of the mini-open procedures that are important in making the transition to an allarthroscopic rotator cuff repair.     

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients younger than fifty years of age

Thirty-seven patients (41 shoulders) younger than 50 years of age (mean age, 43.7 years) underwent all-arthroscopic repairs of rotator cuff tears between 1994 and 2002. With a minimum 3-year follow-up (average 69 months, range 37-161 months), postoperative function was assessed by means of a UCLA scoring system, range of motion measurements, strength exam, and VAS pain score. Tears were categorized into 4 groups by type and size: partial undersurface tears, complete tears that were small (<1 cm), medium (1-3 cm), or large/massive (4-5 cm). All but 1 patient (97%) was subjectively satisfied and felt to be improved postoperatively. Average postoperative UCLA score improved significantly, and 95% of the shoulders achieved good or excellent postoperative results. Postoperative pain scores and strength evaluation also improved significantly. There was no significant loss of motion postoperatively and outcomes were independent of tear size and type. To date, there have been no revisions. These treatment results suggest that arthroscopic management in patients younger than 50 can achieve predictably good to excellent results regardless of tear size.     

Artrhoscopic rotator cuff repair with augmentation: the V-sled technique

Numerous techniques have been described for patch positioning in rotator cuff shoulder arthroscopic surgery. These techniques seem to be difficult challenges for the majority of arthroscopic surgeons, and because of that they are called "highly demanding" techniques. Without the use of dedicated instruments and cannulas, the authors propose a V-sled technique that seems to be more reproducible, quicker and less difficult to perform for arthroscopic shoulder surgeons. The patient is placed in the lateral position. All arthroscopic procedures are performed without the use of cannulas. The standard posterior portal is used for the glenohumeral (GH) joint arthroscopy with fluid inflowing through the scope. After an accurate evaluation of the GH space, the scope is then introduced into the subacromial space. With the use of a spinal needle, a lateral portal is performed. The great tuberosity is prepared with a bur to place two 5.5 mm triple-loaded radiolucent anchors. In addition, two free high strength sutures are passed through the muscle, respectively. The repair is performed using two high strength sutures from each anchor. The third wire from each anchor is retrieved out of the accessories portals used for the insertion of the anchors. In addition, two free high strength sutures are passed through the muscle, and the patch sizing is done using a measuring probe introduced through the lateral portal. Next, the patch is then prepared and is introduced into the subacromial space, and then the patch is stabilized, and the free sutures are tied.     

Validation of the western ontario rotator cuff index in patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A study protocol

Background  

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is described as being a successful procedure. These results are often derived from clinical general shoulder examinations, which are then classified as 'excellent', 'good', 'fair' or 'poor'. However, the cut-off points for these classifications vary and sometimes modified scores are used.     

Role of biomechanical assessment in rotator cuff tear repair: Arthroscopic vs mini-open approach

BACKGROUNDRotator cuff (RC) tears are one of the most frequent pathologies within the shoulder girdle. Hand dominance and older age are associated with RC tears. Two different surgical procedures, the mini-open (MO) and all-arthroscopic (AA) approach, represented the standard of treatment.AIMTo compare the clinical and biomechanical outcomes of two surgical techniques (AA vs MO procedure) performed to address the painful shoulder syndrome with partial or total supraspinatus tendon tear.METHODSEighty-eight participants, 50 following RC repair with AA and 38 with MO approach, were recruited in the present cross-sectional case-control study (ORTHO-SHOULDER, Prot. 0054602). All patients underwent postoperative clinical evaluation for pain (Visual analogic scale), impairment, and disability (disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand) and limitation in daily activity (Constant-Murley score). Patients’ shoulder mobility was also assessed in our Laboratory of Functional Movement through a wearable inertial sensor and surface electromyography to monitor kinematics and muscle activity during the movement on the frontal (abduction/adduction) and sagittal (flexion-extension) planes.RESULTSNo statistically significant differences between the two procedures were observed in either main clinical score or range of motion. A significant increase in velocity during the movement execution and a higher contribution of upper trapezius muscles were found in the AA group compared with MO patients.CONCLUSIONIn terms of clinical scores, our findings were in line with previous results. However, the use of technology-based assessment of shoulder mobility has revealed significant differences between the two techniques in terms of mean velocity and pattern of muscle activation.     

大型及巨大肩袖撕裂的肩关节镜下治疗

目的 探讨全关节镜下手术对大型及巨大肩袖撕裂进行治疗的手术技巧与临床疗效.方法 2004年3月至2008年9月对13例大型或巨大肩袖撕裂患者行肩关节镜下手术治疗,男3例,女10例;年龄45～72岁,平均58.3岁.4例有肩关节摔伤病史,3例有搬抬重物致伤史,其余患者无明显外伤史.肩关节疼痛、无力病史4个月～7年,平均10.6个月.关节镜下11例患者行肩峰成形术,8例行肩袖组织缝合锚修复,5例行单纯肩袖组织清理等.采用视觉模拟法(VAS)疼痛评分和加州大学洛杉矶分校(UCLA)肩关节功能评分进行疗效评估.结果 所有患者术后随访16～32个月,平均18.2个月.术前VAS评分为(6.6±1.3)分,末次随访时为(1.5±1.1)分.术前UCLA肩关节评分为(11.2±2.2)分,末次随访时为(29.5±2.2)分.术前与末次随访时各项评分差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 肩关节镜下手术治疗大型及巨大肩袖撕裂是一种微创、有效、安全的治疗方式.     

Arthroscopic repair of large to massive rotator cuff tears in patients younger than 60 years

BackgroundThe incidence of rotator cuff tears in young patients has increased recently with the increase in sports and recreation activities, however, few studies have reported clinical outcomes after arthroscopic repair of large to massive rotator cuff tears in young patients. This study aimed to evaluate preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes after arthroscopic repair of large to massive rotator cuff tears in patients younger than 60 years, and to compare these results with those of tear size-matched patients older than 60 years.MethodsForty-eight patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for large to massive rotator cuff tears were included. Group I (n = 24) consisted of patients younger than 60 years, while tear size-matched patients older than 60 years were assigned to group II (n = 24). Clinical outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and at the final visit. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) preoperatively and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively to evaluate repair integrity.ResultsThe mean patient age was 53.4 ± 4.2 years in group I and 67.4 ± 4.5 in group II (P = 0.001). At the last visit, there were no significant differences in postoperative clinical scores or passive range of motion between two groups. However, young patients complained of shoulder pain less frequently than elderly patients (visual analog scale for pain at last visit: 0.8 ± 0.3 in group I, 2.4 ± 1.9 in group II, P = 0.04). Elderly patients showed more advanced fatty infiltration preoperatively than young patients and advanced fatty infiltration was correlated with postoperative repair integrity (r = 0.83, P = 0.001). Postoperative re-tear rate was 12.5% in group I, and 33.3% in group II (P = 0.08).ConclusionMore satisfactory clinical and structural outcomes followed by less advanced preoperative fatty infiltration can be expected in younger patients compared with patients older than 60 years, based on large to massive rotator cuff tear treatment outcomes.