The influence of cuff pathology on shoulder function after arthroscopic subacromial decompression: a 3- and 6-year follow-up study

In the literature operative management of rotator cuff ruptures in the shoulder varies, from tendon repair to debridement of the cuff lesion combined with subacromial decompression. This study was made to evaluate whether patients with intact rotator cuff differed from patients with rotator cuff ruptures regarding functional outcome after arthroscopic subacromial decompression. We performed a clinical review of 39 patients with subacromial impingement who all underwent arthroscopic subacromial decompression; no other surgery was performed. There were 13 patients with intact cuff, 13 patients with partial-thickness supraspinatus ruptures, and 13 patients with full-thickness supraspinatus ruptures < 2 cm. Selection was based solely on the status of the supraspinatus tendon. Patients with other pathologic conditions were excluded. Follow-up was performed after 3 and 6 years. The clinical evaluation was performed with the Constant score and the visual analog pain score. The 3- and 6-year follow-up (100% follow-up rate) revealed no significant difference between the groups regarding the Constant scores and the visual analog scale values. Also, no significant difference was seen among the 3 groups in active range of motion or strength, and the patients had no appreciable pain. We conclude that the functional outcome 6 years after arthroscopic subacromial decompression is not obviously related to the preoperative degree of cuff pathology, even if a total rupture of small size is present.     

肩袖撕裂保守治疗的临床疗效观察

目的评估肩峰下间隙注射长效激素、盂肱关节内注射玻璃酸钠结合物理疗的方法治疗肩袖损伤的临床疗效。 方法选取2014年10月至2015年4月期间在内蒙古医科大学第二附属医院因肩袖撕裂接受保守治疗的患者，予以肩峰下间隙注射长效激素(复方倍他米松)＋利多卡因、盂肱关节内注射玻璃酸钠，以及物理治疗方法，包括热疗、拉伸训练、主被动的关节活动度练习和肌肉力量练习。所有患者至少经过6个月的保守治疗，保守治疗前后使用美国加州大学肩关节功能评分(UCLA)，肩关节功能评分(Constant)，视觉模拟评分法(VAS)，对保守治疗前及随访时的肩关节进行评估。保守治疗前和随访时数据采用配对t检验分析。 结果共有75例患者经过14～20个月随访，患者的平均年龄(62±11)岁。40%的患者疼痛消失，30%的患者疼痛减轻不需要口服止疼药治疗。70%的患者的日常生活没有影响。保守治疗前UCLA评分(22.1±1.5)、Constant评分(59.2±5.9)、VAS评分(3.9±0.3)，最后一次随访时UCLA评分(35.5±1.3)、Constant评分(87.4±1.3)、VAS评分(1.8±0.5)，差异有统计学意义(t＝-5.436、-8.935、-4.136，均为P<0.01)。 结论肩峰下间隙注射长效激素、盂肱关节内注射玻璃酸钠结合物理疗治疗肩袖撕裂的方法对于早期肩袖全层撕裂的患者治疗效果较好。     

Congenital subacromial stenosis

Congenital subacromial stenosis is a previously undescribed entity that causes narrowing of the height of the subacromial space without proximal migration of the humerus. This study comprised 25 shoulders with congenital subacromial stenosis. All patients had either an impingement syndrome or rotator cuff tear. The average acromiohumeral interval was 4.7 mm. Fifteen of the 25 shoulders (60%) had rotator cuff tears. Patients requiring surgery comprised a bimodal age distribution: those with an impingement syndrome requiring decompression had an average age of 42, whereas those with rotator cuff tears requiring surgical treatment had an average age of 66. Study of a separate standard asymptomatic population of 84 patients showed that some younger individuals with congenital subacromial stenosis may be asymptomatic. However, the natural history seems to be a relentless progression to impingement and eventually to complete rotator cuff tear. Therefore, subacromial decompression is recommended in younger symptomatic individuals to prevent later rotator cuff tear.     

The role of arthroscopy in subacromial pathology. Retrospective study of a series of arthroscopic acromioplasties

The authors report the results of a retrospective study of 59 arthroscopic acromioplasties. Objective shoulder assessment was made following the relative Constant score and UCLA rating scale. Subjective satisfaction of the patient was assessed on an analogic scale. The patients were divided into 3 groups, according to the subacromial pathology treated. The first group (27 shoulders in 23 patients) included patients with subacromial impingement without a complete rotator cuff tear. The objective result, between 80 and 90%, was close to results in others series reported. Distinction between patients with no tear or partial tear of the cuff showed better results for patients with partial tears. This surprising finding may be at least partially explained by the fact that these patients were older than those without a cuff tear. The results of this study, and the review of the literature, confirmed the value of subacromial decompression as a treatment for impingement without complete cuff tear resistant to at least 6 months of conservative treatment; comparison between surgical and arthroscopic series showed similar results. The second group (19 shoulders in 19 patients) included patients with impingement and complete cuff tear. The objective results and the literature review led us to specify indications. Subacromial decompression with debridment of the tear has given excellent results in older patients--over 60 for most authors--when the tear was limited. In our study, the function of the shoulder at revision was good when the tear was limited to the supraspinatus and part of the infraspinatus. The third group (13 shoulders in 10 patients) included patients with calcifying tendinitis. Arthroscopic acromioplasty was performed in every case; excision of the calcification was performed in less than half of the cases and did not influence the final result. The calcifications had disappeared at revision in all cases. This may suggest that the treatment of the associated impingement was the most important procedure in these cases.     

The effect of rotator cuff tear size on shoulder strength and range of motion

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of rotator cuff tear size on shoulder strength and range of motion. BACKGROUND: Patients with rotator cuff pathology typically present with weakness and motion loss in various motions. The extent to which the presence of a rotator cuff tear and the size of the tear affect strength and range of motion is not well understood. METHODS AND MEASURES: Sixty-one patients scheduled for surgery, with a diagnosis of a rotator cuff tear and/or subacromial impingement, underwent examination for shoulder pain, function, range of motion, and strength. The extent of rotator cuff pathology was documented during subsequent surgery (presence of tear, tear size, tear thickness). RESULTS: There were 10 massive tears, 15 large tears, 13 medium tears, 12 small tears, and 11 rotator cuffs without a tear. Patients had marked weakness in abduction strength at 90 degrees and 10 degrees of abduction, in external rotation strength at 90 degrees, and in the "full can test" (all, P<.0001). Marked range of motion losses in shoulder flexion and external rotation at 0 degrees and 90 degrees abduction (all, P<.001) were also observed. Abduction strength deficit at 10 degrees was affected by rotator cuff tear size (P<.0001). Twenty of 25 patients with large or massive tears had deficits greater than 50%, compared with only 1 of 11 patients with no tear, 2 of 12 patients with a small tear, and 5 of 13 patients with a medium tear (P<.0001). Other strength and range of motion deficits or indices of pain and function were unaffected by tear size. CONCLUSIONS: Weakness of greater than 50% relative to the contralateral side in shoulder abduction at 10 degrees of abduction was indicative of a large or massive rotator cuff tear.     

Calcifying tendinitis of the rotator cuff: functional outcome after arthroscopic treatment

In this study, we assessed the functional results after arthroscopic excision of rotator cuff calcifications. Sixty-one shoulders in 57 patients with chronic calcifying tendinitis of the rotator cuff were treated with arthroscopic excision, subacromial bursa debridement and shaving. In patients with fraying or roughness of the coracoacromial ligament, an acromioplasty was also performed. Patients were evaluated after a mean follow-up of 15 months. The modified Constant score and DASH score significantly improved from 33.4 to 66.8 and from 49.7 to 17.3 respectively. Performing an acromioplasty did not influence the final outcome. Frozen shoulder was a frequent complication (18%) without significant effect on the final DASH or Constant score. The presence of residual calcifications after arthroscopic needling did not influence the final outcome. We therefore believe that the presence of residual calcifications can be accepted if this is deemed necessary to preserve the integrity of the tendon.     

Arthroscopic subacromial decompression. 1-3 year results]

In 148 patients with impingement lesion type I or type II, we performed an arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD). 122 patients ran a follow up one to three years post-operatively. All patients were pre- and postoperatively documented by a 100 point shoulder score. The mean score was 57.9 (+/- 11.5) preoperatively. Postoperatively there was a significant increase to 80.7 (+/- 17.9) (p < 0.05). 15% of the patients with a postoperative score less than 70 points were determined as failures. Patients with a preoperative pain history of more than one year had a significantly worse result (79.1 +/- 8.4) compared to those patients with a preoperative course less than one year (88.8 +/- 11.6) (p < 0.05). Other significant factors were the patient's age, and calcific tendinitis, whereas sex, preoperative range of motion, muscle atrophy, and degeneration of the acromioclavicular joint did not significantly influence the result. Our results after ASD in patients with subacromial pathology without a rupture of the rotator cuff are encouraging. Therefore, ASD seems to be a reasonable alternative to open acromioplasty.     

The relative importance of acromial morphology and age with respect to rotator cuff pathology

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between patient age, acromial morphology, and rotator cuff pathology. Data on 523 patients who had arthroscopic and/or open shoulder surgery were reviewed. Acromial morphology was classified by the system of Bigliani. All patients were categorized by postoperative diagnosis as having tendinitis of the rotator cuff, partial rotator cuff tear, complete rotator cuff tear, and non-rotator cuff-related pathology. Univariate analysis results for acromial morphology (P <.001), age (P <.001), and gender (P =.019) showed a significant association with rotator cuff pathology. Fifty percent of patients with rotator cuff tendinitis had type I acromions, and 58% of patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears had type III acromions. Stratified univariate analysis revealed no significant association between acromial morphology and rotator cuff pathology in patients who were over 50 years old. Patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears were significantly older than those with partial-thickness tears or tendinitis. A larger proportion of male patients than female patients had full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified acromial morphology, age, and gender as independent multivariate predictors of rotator cuff pathology. Age, acromial morphology, and gender all have an independent association with rotator cuff pathology.     

The relationship between greater tuberosity osteopenia and the chronicity of rotator cuff tears

This study investigated whether a relationship exists between greater tuberosity osteopenia and chronicity of rotator cuff tears. In a retrospective study, anteroposterior radiographs of 28 shoulders in 27 patients who had undergone surgical repair for rotator cuff tears were reviewed. Greater tuberosity osteopenia scores were created using National Institutes of Health digital image software. There was no significant difference in the mean age between patients with minimal to mild rotator cuff tear retraction (63.1 +/- 6.14 years) and patients with moderate to severe rotator cuff tear retraction (63.4 +/- 9.76 years; P = .77). Of the 13 patients with minimal to mild rotator cuff tear retraction, 10 (77%) were women and 3 (23%) were men. Of 14 patients (50%) with moderate to severe rotator cuff tear retraction, 7 were men and 7 were women. The mean greater tuberosity osteopenia score in the 15 patients with moderate to severe retraction (0.48 +/- 0.095) was significantly less than the greater tuberosity osteopenia score in the 13 patients with minimal to mild retraction (0.58 +/- 0.135; P < .05). Furthermore, the mean greater tuberosity osteopenia score in 6 patients with chronic retracted rotator cuff tears (0.48 +/- 0.125) was significantly less than in the 6 patients with acute minimally retracted tears (0.64 +/- 0.119, P < .05). There were significantly greater osteopenic changes in the greater tuberosity in patients with chronic retracted rotator cuff tears. The greater tuberosity osteopenia may affect anchor pullout strength and the healing biology that influences overall rotator cuff repair healing rates.     

Long-term results (5 - 13 years) after surgical local repair and deltoid muscle flap for massive rotator cuff tears

AIM: The functional long-term results of reconstructions of massive rotator cuff tears (Bateman IV) were evaluated and analyzed. METHODS: 38 patients (6 female/32 male) had a clinical and sonographical assessment and an evaluation of the Constant score after a follow-up of 81 (60 - 160) months. Operative procedures were direct transosseous refixation in 16, local tendon shifts in 17 and deltoid flaps in 5 patients. RESULTS: The average age and sex related Constant score was 77 %. The 5 patients with the deltoid flap achieved a Constant score of 60 %, all had a sonographically detected re-tear and 4 of them rated their result as only moderate. 25/33 patients with reconstruction (76 %) rated their result as good or excellent, 5 (15 %) as satisfactory, 1 (3 %) as moderate and 2 (6 %) as poor. 12 (36 %) of the 33 patients met the sonographic criteria of a re-tear. These patients had a Constant score of 71 %, whereas 21 (64 %) patients with intact reconstruction achieved a score of 85 %. CONCLUSION: The reconstruction of massive rotator cuff tears achieves good clinical long-term results if the tendons remain intact. But even with a recurrent defect, the results have been better than in patients treated with a deltoid flap. In massive rotator cuff tears a thorough selection of the operative procedure regarding atrophy and fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff muscles as well as the tendon retraction and quality is mandatory.     

Arthroscopic subacromial decompression in the treatment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears

Arthroscopic subacromial decompression has become an accepted treatment for patients with impingement syndrome; however, its use for full-thickness rotator cuff tears is controversial. We observed 25 patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears treated by arthroscopic subacromial decompression and cuff debridement alone with a minimum of 1 year follow-up observation. Based on the University of California at Los Angeles shoulder rating, 84% of the cases were rated as excellent or good. There was significant improvement in pain, function, motion, and strength. Eighty-eight percent of the patients were satisfied with the procedure. Although all tear sizes improved significantly, smaller tears fared better than larger tears. The preliminary results of arthroscopic subacromial decompression with cuff debridement compare favorably to open techniques of rotator cuff repair with or without acromioplasty and should be considered in selected patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears.     

三维测量分析肩峰前缘骨赘对肩峰形态的影响

目的通过三维测量接受肩关节镜手术患者术前、术后肩峰前缘骨赘及肩峰形态，分析肩峰前缘骨赘在不同肩峰类型及肩袖损伤程度组间的差异，探讨肩峰前缘骨赘变化与年龄、肩峰形态及肩关节疾病的关系。 方法选取上海交通大学医学院附属第九人民医院2016年10月至2018年5月进行肩关节镜手术患者129例。所有患者在关节镜下行肩峰成形术，手术前、后常规拍摄标准肩关节前后位、标准冈上肌出口位X线片及肩关节CT薄层平扫，经三维重建后在肩关节三维模型上测量手术前、后肩峰前缘骨赘距离（acromial spur distance，ASD）、肩峰倾斜角（acromial slope angle，ASA）及肩峰弧高度（acromial curvature height，ACH）。 结果术前ASD平均为（4.14±1.89） mm，ASA平均为24.73°±2.19°，ACH平均为（3.71±0.48） mm。研究对象年龄平均为（61.03±7.15）岁。Ⅰ型、Ⅱ型、Ⅲ型肩峰组间的年龄逐渐增大，呈显著正相关。ASD与年龄存在显著的正相关关系，P=0.014。ASD在Ⅲ型肩峰组及肩袖完全损伤组较其他组显著增大，差异有统计学意义。不同肩峰类型及肩袖损伤程度组间ASA及ACH没有差异。肩关节镜术后ASD显著减小，P<0.001。Ⅰ型和Ⅱ型肩峰组手术前、后ASA及ACH没有差异，而在Ⅲ型肩峰组则表现出显著的差异，P值分别为0.012及0.038。术后6个月Constant肩关节功能评分平均为（92.21±4.11）分，美国加州大学肩关节功能评分平均为（30.96±2.54）分，与术后ASD变化无相关性（P=0.427）。 结论数字化三维建立模型评估肩峰形态能提高测量的精度和广度。年龄仍然是预测肩峰形态及前缘骨赘的一个重要指标。ASD增大在Ⅲ型钩状肩峰中发生率较高并能改变肩峰原有形态，造成肩峰ASA及ACH增大，引起肩峰撞击及肩袖损伤风险增大。在Ⅲ型肩峰患者镜下手术时应常规行肩峰成形术并特别注意肩峰前缘骨赘的位置以确保恢复肩峰正常形态，而对于Ⅰ型及Ⅱ型肩峰患者镜下应酌情选择行肩峰成形术。     

Results of open repair of the rotator cuff – a long-term review of 79 shoulders

In 72 patients with 79 tears of the rotator cuff that had been completely repaired by open surgery, the outcome was evaluated on the basis of history, Constant functional score and radiography. At a mean follow-up period of 6.75 years, the Constant score was 71.5 points on average, showing a high correlation with the patients’ subjective satisfaction, but the score was not a reliable indicator of recurrence. The larger the cuff tear, the poorer the result was. However, deterioration was not related to the duration of follow-up or the patient’s age. The presence of acromioclavicular arthrosis also had no influence on the overall result. A comparison of follow-up radiographs with those obtained immediately after surgery revealed (despite postoperative flat subacromial resection) evidence of heterotopic bone formations or ossifications in nearly half of the patients. However, except for individual cases, this had no significant influence on the clinical result or the Constant score. Received: 16 December 1999     

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with and without arthroscopic subacromial decompression: a prospective, randomized study of one-year outcomes

We performed a prospective, randomized study to determine whether arthroscopic subacromial decompression changes the outcome of rotator cuff repair. We performed a power analysis to ensure statistical validity. Patients scheduled for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomized to cuff repair with arthroscopic subacromial decompression (group 1) or without it (group 2). All other aspects of the surgical and postsurgical treatment were identical. We included patients with full-thickness tears limited to the supraspinatus tendon and a type 2 acromion. We excluded patients with prior surgery, those with larger tears involving two or more tendons, those with a type 1 or 3 acromion, those with workers' compensation claims, and those who had concomitant procedures (labral repair, acromioclavicular joint resection) There were 47 patients in group 1 and 46 in group 2. Minimum follow-up was 1 year (mean, 15.6 +/- 3.3 months). We recorded the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder scores preoperatively and postoperatively. There was no statistical difference in postoperative ASES scores between group 1 (91.5 +/- 10.3) and group 2 (89.2 +/- 15.1) (P =.392). The change in ASES score over time did not differ between the two groups (61.1 vs 60.2, P =.363). In conclusion, within the parameters described above, arthroscopic subacromial decompression does not appear to change the functional outcome after arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff.     

Anterior internal impingement

Purpose: The source of pain in patients with a stable shoulder and clinical signs of impingement is traditionally thought to be subacromial or outlet impingement, as popularized by Neer. This report introduces the concept of anterior internal impingement in patients with signs and symptoms of classic impingement syndrome and arthroscopic evidence of articular-side partial rotator cuff tear. Contact that occurs between the fragmented undersurface of the rotator cuff and the anterosuperior labrum is the apparent source of pain in these patients. Type of Study: Case series. Methods: Ten patients with a primary symptom of pain and an arthroscopic finding of a partial rotator cuff tear were reviewed. Arthroscopic visualization of the subacromial space revealed no evidence of subacromial impingement or bursitis in any patient. All patients had clinical signs and symptoms of classic impingement. The initial part of the surgical procedure consisted of a complete diagnostic arthroscopy in a low-volume gas medium using a single posterior portal. While performing the Hawkins test, the locations of any areas of abnormal soft-tissue contact and impingement were observed directly. Results: There was anterior internal impingement in all 10 patients with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. The abnormal and fragmented rotator cuff tissue made contact with the anterior superior labrum when the shoulder was visualized from the posterior portal while performing the Hawkins test. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging correctly showed a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear in 20% of the cases. Conclusions: Recognition of anterior internal impingement as a clinical entity is important because magnetic resonance imaging results are often misleading. This is of particular importance in young patients with isolated lesions in whom arthroscopic acromioplasty and capsular reefing procedures would be unnecessary. When anterior internal impingement is recognized as the source of unresolved shoulder pain, patient selection for surgery and procedure selection can be improved.     

Anterior traumatic shoulder dislocation associated with displaced greater tuberosity fracture: the necessity of operative treatment

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcome, including the incidence of recurrence, in patients with displaced greater tuberosity (GT) fractures associated with a traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: University Hospital (Level 1 trauma center). PATIENTS: There were 34 completely evaluated patients (19 male, 15 female) seen between 1993 and 2002 with a displaced GT fracture associated with a traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation. Average age was 52.8 years and the mean follow-up period was 4.8 years (range, 2.0 to 10 years). INTERVENTION: All GT fractures were internally fixed solely with heavy non-absorbable sutures and any associate rotator cuff tear was repaired at the same time. A special rehabilitation protocol was administered in all patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Functional assessment was obtained using the parameters of the Constant score which grades outcomes as excellent, very good, good and poor. RESULTS: Overall, there were 25 (73.5%) excellent, 6 (17.6%) very good, 2 (5.8%) good and 1 (3.1%) poor results, and the average Constant score was 88.4 (range 45.0 to 100.0). All fractures healed radiographically, without evidence of secondary displacement, except in one patient. No case of recurrence of dislocation was noted in any patient. Partial absorption or "lysis" of the GT without significant clinical relevance was detected in 4 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Displaced fractures of the GT after traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation may result in limitation of motion and functional disability if they are not treated promptly by surgery. Open reduction and stable fixation of the GT along with rotator cuff repair when present, allows for early passive motion of the joint, and yields excellent final results in approximately three quarters of the patients and restores their ability to return to full activities of daily living. A compliant patient is also necessary for a successful result.     

Arthroscopic subacromial decompression: results and factors affecting outcome.

Arthroscopic subacromial decompression was performed on 114 patients with rotator cuff impingement who had not responded to nonoperative measures. None of the patients had a full-thickness cuff tear. Patients with associated instability, symptomatic acromioclavicular joint disease, or ruptures of the long head of biceps were not included. Results were determined by questioning patients about their satisfaction with the outcome of surgery and by functional assessment of the shoulder with the parameters of pain, ability to perform daily activities, and range of motion according to the Constant scoring system. When reviewed at a mean interval of 19 months after surgery, 85 patients (75%) were satisfied with the outcome. Pain scores improved by an average of 8.6 points; "activities of daily living" scores improved by an average of 5.8 points; range-of-motion scores improved by an average of 3.6 points. The improvements in all 3 parameters scored were significant (P < .05). The following variables were statistically analyzed to assess their influence on final outcome: age, sex, occupation, duration of symptoms before surgery, dominance of the affected shoulder, outcome of the impingement test, state of the cuff, and experience of the surgeon performing the operation. The duration of symptoms before surgery was the most significant predictor of outcome. Symptoms of prolonged duration were associated with an unsatisfactory subjective results (P < .01) and with smaller improvements in the parameters of the Constant score (P < .001). Recovery after arthroscopic subacromial decompression and eventual outcome were related to the extent of cuff damage. Patients with partial thickness tears or fraying of the cuff had a delayed return to work (P < .001) and were found to have smaller increases in the pain and range-of-motion scores (P < .05). A satisfactory subjective result was most often associated with a positive impingement test (P < .05). Unsatisfactory outcomes were associated with a questionable diagnosis and lack of clear evidence of impingement at arthroscopy, inadequate decompression of the subacromial space, or the presence of calcium deposits in the rotator cuff.     

Open repair of massive rotator cuff tears in patients aged sixty-five years or over: is it worthwhile?

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the functional outcome and identify possible preoperative prognostic factors in patients aged 65 years or over undergoing open repair for a massive (>5 cm) full-thickness rotator cuff tear. Patients were assessed after a mean of 48 months by an independent observer by use of the Constant score and the Oxford Shoulder Questionnaire. The outcome was excellent or good in 44% and poor in 23%. The patient satisfaction rate was 84%. Pain relief was obtained in 93%. We found three preoperative variables to be significantly associated with a poor outcome: female sex, duration of symptoms greater than 34 months before surgery, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade. The results of our study suggest that appropriately selected patients who are aged 65 years or over with a massive full-thickness rotator cuff tear can be expected to have a good functional outcome and pain relief after repair.     

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.