The Relevance of Open Rotator Cuff Repair in 2021

BackgroundThe last decade has seen a large increase in rotator cuff surgery and arthroscopic surgery. We were asked to define the relevance of open rotator cuff repair in 2021.PurposeTo define whether there are proven advantages to arthroscopic or open rotator cuff repair surgery.MethodWe reviewed the recent literature regarding recent trends, anaesthetic time, rehabilitation, post-operative pain, complications, economic considerations, the learning curve and outcomes. We outlined the senior authors’ technique preferences, rationale and patient reported outcomes.ResultsThere is no clear evidence of proven advantage in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair compared to open rotator cuff repairs, with regard to outcomes or the other aspects reviewed. There were no differences in the outcomes of arthroscopic and open repairs in the senior authors practice with his procedure indications.ConclusionsOpen rotator cuff repair surgery remains a valid option and has some appeal in specific indications and in settings where arthroscopic resources are limited. We believe surgeons should learn both techniques and the principles of good patient selection, tissue handling, and fixation techniques are of paramount importance in both arthroscopic and open rotator cuff surgery.     

Rotator cuff repair with a novel mesh suture: An ex vivo assessment of mechanical properties

Surgical repair is a common treatment for rotator cuff tear; however, the retear rate is high. A high degree of suture repair strength is important to ensure rotator cuff integrity for healing. The purpose of this study was to compare the mechanical performance of rotator cuffs repaired with a mesh suture versus traditional polydioxanone suture II and FiberWire sutures in a canine in vitro model. Seventy‐two canine shoulders were harvested. An infraspinatus tendon tear was created in each shoulder. Two suture techniques—simple interrupted sutures and two‐row suture bridge—were used to reconnect the infraspinatus tendon to the greater tuberosity, using three different suture types: Mesh suture, polydioxanone suture II, or FiberWire. Shoulders were loaded to failure under displacement control at a rate of 20 mm/min. Failure load was compared between suture types and techniques. Ultimate failure load was significantly higher in the specimens repaired with mesh suture than with polydioxanone suture II or FiberWire, regardless of suture technique. There was no significant difference in stiffness among the six groups, with the exception that FiberWire repairs were stiffer than polydioxanone suture II repairs with the simple interrupted technique. All specimens failed by suture pull‐out from the tendon. Based on our biomechanical findings, rotator cuff repair with the mesh suture might provide superior initial strength against failure compared with the traditional polydioxanone suture II or FiberWire sutures. Use of the mesh suture may provide increased initial fixation strength and decrease gap formation, which could result in improved healing and lower re‐tear rates following rotator cuff repair. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:987–992, 2018.

     

Biomechanical comparison of single-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair technique versus transosseous repair technique

This study determined the effect of tear size on gap formation of single-row simple-suture arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) vs transosseous Mason-Allen suture open RCR (ORCR) in 13 pairs of human cadaveric shoulders. A massive tear was created in 6 pairs and a large tear in 7. Repairs were cyclically tested in low-load and high-load conditions, with no significant difference in gap formation. Under low-load, gapping was greater in massive tears. Under high-load, there was a trend toward increased gap with ARCR for large tears. All repairs of massive tears failed in high-load. Gapping was greater posteriorly in massive tears for both techniques. Gap formation of a modeled RCR depends upon the tear size. ARCR of larger tears may have higher failure rates than ORCR, and the posterior aspect appears to be the site of maximum gapping. Specific attention should be directed toward maximizing initial fixation of larger rotator cuff tears, especially at the posterior aspect.     

Subacromial Internal Spacer for Rotator Cuff Tendon Repair: “The Balloon Technique”

Lateral reattachment of the rotator cuff and the more recent introduction of the double-row rotator cuff repair technique require adequate visualization to define the rotator cuff footprint and the greater tuberosity. In many cases extensive debridement in this area is required to remove the overlying subdeltoid bursa, which can impair visualization laterally on the proximal humerus. Inadequate visualization laterally may lead to improper placement of the lateral row of fixation, compromising the reduction and fixation of the repaired rotator cuff tendon. We describe a surgical technique used to improve lateral visualization of the proximal humerus for placement of lateral anchors during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using a Foley catheter. The end of a 14F-diameter Foley catheter is cut just proximal to the balloon end. One to three catheters are introduced in the subacromial space through small anterolateral or posterolateral portals and inflated with 15 mL of air. Adequate distension of the subacromial space allows better visualization, triangulation of the arthroscopic instruments, and anatomic repair of the rotator cuff tendon.     

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.     

Rates of medial and lateral row failure and risk factors for Re-tear in arthroscopic double row rotator cuff repair

A common postoperative complication after rotator cuff repair is re-tear requiring a secondary procedure. Double row and trans-osseous equivalent repair techniques have become increasingly popular in recent years, however repair failure remains a relatively common complication after primary rotator cuff repair. A retrospective observational study of 389 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair from February 1, 2014 to March 31, 2020 was conducted. Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to assess differences in demographics, comorbidities, and tear characteristics between patients who experienced re-tear and those who did not. Repair failures were confirmed by plain MRI or intraoperatively during repeat surgical treatment. A subgroup analysis of patients who experienced re-tear due to medial row failure was conducted. The overall re-tear rate was 8.2% (32 patients). Six patients (1.5%) experienced medial row failure, while 26 patients (6.7%) experienced lateral row failure. The average time to re-tear was 279.3 ± 291.2 days. On multivariate analysis, patients with Goutallier Classification ≥3 (OR: 4.274, p = 0.046) and 3 anchor repair (OR: 5.387, p = 0.027) were at significantly increased risk for any re-tear after controlling for other tear characteristics. No statistically significant independent risk factors for medial row failure were identified after controlling for confounding variables. Goutallier classification greater than 3 and a primary repair with 3 anchors are significant risk factors for re-tear after double row rotator cuff repair, however they are not associated with increased occurrence of medial row failure. Further evaluation of risk factors for medial row failure is required to avoid this rare but serious re-tear pattern.     

Biomechanical evaluation of arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs: double-row compared with single-row fixation

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs can have higher rates of failure than do open repairs. Current methods of rotator cuff repair have been limited to single-row fixation of simple and horizontal stitches, which is very different from open repairs. The objective of this study was to compare the initial cyclic loading and load-to-failure properties of double-row fixation with those of three commonly used single-row techniques. METHODS: Ten paired human supraspinatus tendons were split in half, yielding four tendons per cadaver. The bone mineral content at the greater tuberosity was assessed. Four stitch configurations (two-simple, massive cuff, arthroscopic Mason-Allen, and double-row fixation) were randomized and tested on each set of tendons. Specimens were cyclically loaded between 5 and 100 N at 0.25 Hz for fifty cycles and then loaded to failure under displacement control at 1 mm/sec. Conditioning elongation, peak-to-peak elongation, ultimate tensile load, and stiffness were measured with use of a three-dimensional tracking system and compared, and the failure type (suture or anchor pull-out) was recorded. RESULTS: No significant differences were found among the stitches with respect to conditioning elongation. The mean peak-to-peak elongation (and standard error of the mean) was significantly lower for the massive cuff (1.1 +/- 0.1 mm) and double-row stitches (1.1 +/- 0.1 mm) than for the arthroscopic Mason-Allen stitch (1.5 +/- 0.2 mm) (p < 0.05). The ultimate tensile load was significantly higher for double-row fixation (287 +/- 24 N) than for all of the single-row fixations (p < 0.05). Additionally, the massive cuff stitch (250 +/- 21 N) was found to have a significantly higher ultimate tensile load than the two-simple (191 +/- 18 N) and arthroscopic Mason-Allen (212 +/- 21 N) stitches (p < 0.05). No significant differences in stiffness were found among the stitches. Failure mechanisms were similar for all stitches. Rotator cuff repairs in the anterior half of the greater tuberosity had a significantly lower peak-to-peak elongation and higher ultimate tensile strength than did repairs on the posterior half. CONCLUSIONS: In this in vitro cadaver study, double-row fixation had a significantly higher ultimate tensile load than the three types of single-row fixation stitches. Of the single-row fixations, the massive cuff stitch had cyclic and load-to-failure characteristics similar to the double-row fixation. Anterior repairs of the supraspinatus tendon had significantly stronger biomechanical behavior than posterior repairs.     

An arthroscopic stitch for massive rotator cuff tears: the mac stitch

Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears has become popular with the advancement in technology and arthroscopic technique. As we attempt to arthroscopically repair larger rotator cuff tears, we are relying more on tissue fixation. The tendon–suture interface has been recognized as the weak link in rotator cuff repair. In this article, we propose the use of the Mac stitch—a simple modification of suture placement, a combination of a horizontal and vertical loop at the site of repair—to increase the strength of tissue fixation. The Mac stitch is a simple arthroscopic stitch that can be used for small and massive rotator cuff repairs.     

The Evolution of Suture Anchors in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

The advancement of suture anchor design and technology has fostered the transition from open to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Current suture-bridging constructs have greatly surpassed the biomechanical strength parameters of transosseous repairs and have shown impressive healing rates after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. This review describes this evolution and discusses the important characteristics of suture anchors.     

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.     

Mechanical strength of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair techniques: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND: Retears after rotator cuff repairs occur relatively frequently and may compromise the functional result. The goal of this study was to analyze the mechanical properties following arthroscopic techniques for rotator cuff repair and to evaluate possible alternative techniques. METHODS: In the first part, five different bone anchors (the Revo screw; Mitek Rotator Cuff anchor, 5.0-mm Statak, PANALOK RC absorbable anchor, and 5.0-mm Bio-Statak) were tested in vitro under cyclic loading on five pairs of cadaveric shoulders. Then five types of arthroscopic tendon suturing instruments were tested on rotator cuff tendons. Finally, the arthroscopically performed mattress and modified Mason-Allen stitches, fixed with either the Revo screw or the Bio-Statak, were evaluated on ten pairs of human cadaveric shoulders. RESULTS: The holding strengths of the various anchors were similar, ranging from 130 to 180 N, and approximated the holding strength of knotted number-2 suture materials. The fixation of the tested anchors yielded comparable values of stiffness except for one anchor, which showed significantly greater subsidence under cyclic load (p = 0.003). All tested, commercially available arthroscopic suturing devices were unsuitable for performing a modified Mason-Allen stitch on normal supraspinatus tendons. Modification of a commercially available suture punch with a longer needle allowed us to consistently perform a modified Mason-Allen stitch. The modified Mason-Allen stitch, which has shown favorable mechanical properties in open repairs of the rotator cuff, was not found to be stronger than the mattress stitch when performed arthroscopically and used with bone anchors. When the modified Mason-Allen stitch was fixed to one anchor, it was even weaker than a mattress stitch repaired with another anchor (168 versus 228 N). Unequal loading of the two suture branches due to the more rigid modified Mason-Allen stitch may be the reason for this difference. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic techniques for rotator cuff repair with use of the mattress stitch and bone anchors allow for a relatively solid fixation. The holding strength is not improved with use of the modified Mason-Allen stitch. Although a direct comparison with previous in vitro studies is not possible, the holding strength of open fixation techniques seems to be stronger. If rotator cuffs are subjected to high postoperative loading, open repair might be preferred to reduce the risk of a retear, until stronger arthroscopic fixation techniques are developed.     

Passive tension and gap formation of rotator cuff repairs

The objectives of this study were to quantify the relationship between passive tension of rotator cuff repairs and arm position and to examine the effect of this tension on repair gap formation. Five patients undergoing open surgical rotator cuff repair of the supraspinatus tendon were recruited. Tendon tension was recorded as the supraspinatus was advanced into a bone trough and secured. The relationship between arm position and repair tension was then measured. Standardized rotator cuff tears were created in 3 cadaveric shoulders and repaired by use of the intraoperative technique. The difference in tension measured between 0 degrees and 30 degrees abduction was statically applied for 24 hours and the gap formation measured. Repair tension increased with advancement of the supraspinatus tendon into the bone trough. Abduction reduced the repair load. The mean reduction in load by 30 degrees abduction was 34 N. Twenty-four hours of 34-N loading caused gap formation of 9 mm in cadaveric rotator cuff repairs. Passive tension in surgically repaired rotator cuffs may contribute to repair failure and can be modified by arm positioning.     

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.     

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 outcome and structural integrity of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with use of the double-row suture anchor technique

BACKGROUND: The reported rate of failure after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has varied widely. The influence of the repair technique on the failure rates and functional outcomes after open or arthroscopic rotator cuff repair remains controversial. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the functional and anatomic results of arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs performed with the double-row suture anchor technique on the basis of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging arthrography in order to determine the postoperative integrity of the repairs. METHODS: A prospective series of 105 consecutive shoulders undergoing arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair of the supraspinatus or a combination of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus were evaluated at a minimum of two years after surgery. The evaluation included a routine history and physical examination as well as determination of the preoperative and postoperative strength, pain, range of motion, and Constant scores. All shoulders had a preoperative and postoperative computed tomography arthrogram (103 shoulders) or magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram (two shoulders). RESULTS: There were thirty-six small rotator cuff tears, forty-seven large isolated supraspinatus or combined supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon tears, and twenty-two massive rotator cuff tears. The mean Constant score (and standard deviation) was 43.2+/-15.1 points (range, 8 to 83 points) preoperatively and 80.1+/-11.1 points (range, 46 to 100 points) postoperatively. Twelve of the 105 repairs failed. Intact rotator cuff repairs were associated with significantly increased strength and active range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic repair of a rotator cuff tear with use of the double-row suture anchor technique results in a much lower rate of failure than has previously been reported in association with either open or arthroscopic repair methods. Patients with an intact rotator cuff repair have better pain relief than those with a failed repair. After repair, large and massive rotator cuff tears result in more postoperative weakness than small tears do.     

Rotator cuff tears: diagnosis and therapy

Since the life span of our society is increasing and the expectation of high functional demands is growing more and more older people take part in sports activities emphasises the necessity of early diagnosis of rotator cuff lesions and their correct treatment. The goal of any diagnostic means should be a proper treatment of rotator cuff lesions according to the detected pathology. New arthroscopic techniques to surgically reconstruct rotator cuff tears have brought the operative repair techniques another step further. In cases of large and complex cuff tears the surgeon can individually select an adequate reconstruction procedure which includes anatomical-, partial-, tendon-transfer and muscle-transfer repairs. In cases of irreparable tears with cuff-tear arthropathy and consecutive superior migration of the humeral head hemiarthroplasty or the inverse deltoid prosthesis have to be considered. Based on clinical, radiological and arthroscopic findings we developed algorithms that will lead to the best suited procedure for a given lesion.     

A biomechanical comparison of single and double-row fixation in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

BACKGROUND: The optimal method for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is not yet known. The hypothesis of the present study was that a double-row repair would demonstrate superior static and cyclic mechanical behavior when compared with a single-row repair. The specific aims were to measure gap formation at the bone-tendon interface under static creep loading and the ultimate strength and mode of failure of both methods of repair under cyclic loading. METHODS: A standardized tear of the supraspinatus tendon was created in sixteen fresh cadaveric shoulders. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs were performed with use of either a double-row technique (eight specimens) or a single-row technique (eight specimens) with nonabsorbable sutures that were double-loaded on a titanium suture anchor. The repairs were loaded statically for one hour, and the gap formation was measured. Cyclic loading to failure was then performed. RESULTS: Gap formation during static loading was significantly greater in the single-row group than in the double-row group (mean and standard deviation, 5.0 +/- 1.2 mm compared with 3.8 +/- 1.4 mm; p < 0.05). Under cyclic loading, the double-row repairs failed at a mean of 320 +/- 96.9 N whereas the single-row repairs failed at a mean of 224 +/- 147.9 N (p = 0.058). Three single-row repairs and three double-row repairs failed as a result of suture cut-through. Four single-row repairs and one double-row repair failed as a result of anchor or suture failure. The remaining five repairs did not fail, and a midsubstance tear of the tendon occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Although more technically demanding, the double-row technique demonstrates superior resistance to gap formation under static loading as compared with the single-row technique. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A double-row reconstruction of the supraspinatus tendon insertion may provide a more reliable construct than a single-row repair and could be used as an alternative to open reconstruction for the treatment of isolated tears.     

Current Biomechanical Concepts for Rotator Cuff Repair

For the past few decades, the repair of rotator cuff tears has evolved significantly with advances in arthroscopy techniques, suture anchors and instrumentation. From the biomechanical perspective, the focus in arthroscopic repair has been on increasing fixation strength and restoration of the footprint contact characteristics to provide early rehabilitation and improve healing. To accomplish these objectives, various repair strategies and construct configurations have been developed for rotator cuff repair with the understanding that many factors contribute to the structural integrity of the repaired construct. These include repaired rotator cuff tendon-footprint motion, increased tendon-footprint contact area and pressure, and tissue quality of tendon and bone. In addition, the healing response may be compromised by intrinsic factors such as decreased vascularity, hypoxia, and fibrocartilaginous changes or aforementioned extrinsic compression factors. Furthermore, it is well documented that torn rotator cuff muscles have a tendency to atrophy and become subject to fatty infiltration which may affect the longevity of the repair. Despite all the aforementioned factors, initial fixation strength is an essential consideration in optimizing rotator cuff repair. Therefore, numerous biomechanical studies have focused on elucidating the strongest devices, knots, and repair configurations to improve contact characteristics for rotator cuff repair. In this review, the biomechanical concepts behind current rotator cuff repair techniques will be reviewed and discussed.     

Arthroscopic versus mini-open rotator cuff repair: a comparison of clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction

This study compares the results of arthroscopic and arthroscopically assisted mini-open rotator cuff repair in a series of 84 patients who underwent repair of small, medium, or large tears between March 1997 and September 2001 with at least 2 years of follow-up. There were 42 arthroscopic repairs and 42 mini-open repairs. Of the patients, 81 (96.4%) had good or excellent UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) scores (40 arthroscopic repairs [95.2%] and 41 mini-open repairs [97.6%]); there were 2 fair results and 1 poor outcome. The ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) scores averaged 91.1 for the arthroscopic group and 90.2 for the mini-open group (P > .05). Six patients required further surgery (three from the arthroscopic group and three from the mini-open group). Of 84 patients, 83 (98.8%) reported being satisfied with the procedure. At greater than 2 years of follow-up, arthroscopic and mini-open rotator cuff repairs produced similar results for small, medium, and large rotator cuff tears with equivalent patient satisfaction rates.