Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction or Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Irreparable Bilateral Rotator Cuff Tear

Abstract

An active elderly patient with bilateral chronic rotator cuff tear underwent a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) on the right shoulder and an arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) with a fascia lata autograft on the left shoulder. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case that compares these 2 techniques for irreparable rotator cuff tears in the same patient. The patient had very good midterm (2 and 8 years of follow-up) functional outcomes with both treatment options. However, the ASCR was found to have superior clinical outcome measures, and it is a valid alternative to RTSA for irreparable rotator cuff tears in the appropriate setting.