Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction Using “Sandwich” Patch Technique for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

Abstract

The technique of superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) using fascia lata autograft, described by Mihata et al. in 2012, has been an acceptable and effective method for treating irreparable massive rotator cuff tears, especially in cases with severe fatty infiltration and tendon retraction. After the SCR procedure of Mihata et al., it was found that some graft failure occurred with thinning and elongation during the follow-up time, which was called graft “creep.” To avoid graft creep and reduce graft failure rates after SCR, we created an arthroscopic SCR technique with a “sandwich” patch augmented with polyethylene terephthalate scaffold interspaced between 2 folded layers of fascia lata autograft.