Arthroscopic en masse repair with footprint ending shift using double-row suture-bridge technique for delaminated rotator cuff tears under tension

Abstract

Objective To analyze the clinical effects of arthroscopic en masse repair with footprint ending shift using double-row suture-bridge technique for delaminated rotator cuff tears under tension. Methods A total of 58 patients with delaminated rotator cuff tears under tension from August 2013 to August 2016 who underwent arthroscopic en masse repair using double-row suture-bridge technique were retrospectively analyzed. There were 33 males and 25 females with a mean age of 53.0±7.8 years (range 39-74) with 24 patients left side involved and 34 right side. They were divided into 2 groups to receive en masse repair either footprint ending shift or on the footprint. There were 28 patients with footprint ending shift and 30 patients on the footprint. Clinical effects were evaluated by University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), Constant-Murley score and shoulder range of motion at preoperatively and postoperatively. Results The average follow-up duration was 23.2±0.8 months (range 21-24). The two groups were compatible with no significant difference in age, gender, tear size, follow-up duration, preoperative function and range of motion of the shoulder joint (P>0.05). At the last follow up, the UCLA, ASES, VAS, Constant-Murley scores and shoulder range of motion in the group footprint ending shift were respectively 32.4±2.5, 12.8±0.9, 1.0±1.1, 93.4±5.6, 158.3°±9.3°, 58.9°±5.0° with significantly differences compared with preoperative scores (P 0.05). The operation duration in the group footprint ending shift was 100.9±6.0 min, while that in the group on footprint was 106.6±6.1 min. There was significantly difference in the operation duration between two groups (t=-3.600, P=0.001). Conclusion Arthroscopic en masse repair using double-row suture-bridge technique can successfully treat delaminated rotator cuff tears under tension. Compared with arthroscopic en masse repair on footprint using double-row suture-bridge technique, the footprint ending shift is easier and time saving without significant difference in function of the shoulder joint and the range of motion in repair of delaminated rotator cuff tear under tension. Key words: Shoulder; Wounds and injuries; Arthroscopy; Reconstructive surgical procedures