Arthroscopically assisted repair of massive full-thickness rotator cuff tears: an analysis of 2-year postoperative follow-up

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this work was to evaluate the clinical results of arthroscopically assisted massive full-thickness rotator cuff repair. Background The treatment modalities of massive rotator cuff tears (as formal open, mini-open ‘arthroscopically assisted,’ and all-arthroscopic repair) show wide variability in terms of the technical prerequisites, the clinical results, and the reported complications. However, arthroscopically assisted repair offers the advantages and avoids the disadvantages of both formal open and all-arthroscopic repair. Patients and methods The clinical results of 12 patients (12 shoulders) with massive full-thickness rotator cuff tears managed by arthroscopically assisted repair were evaluated by the University of California, Los Angles (UCLA) scoring system and with the active range of motion of the affected shoulder. Study type Interventional, prospective. Study design Clinical case series. Primary purpose: treatment. Results Using the UCLA scoring system, the final assessment (at a mean of 27.4 months postoperatively) revealed satisfactory (good and excellent) results in 11 (91.7%) patients and unsatisfactory (poor) results in one (8.3%) patient. Also, the mean value of overall UCLA score significantly improved from (8.8±1.2) preoperatively to (32.4±2.4) postoperatively (P Conclusion Favorable clinical outcomes can be anticipated in the majority of patients with massive full-thickness rotator cuff tears after arthroscopically assisted repair. Overall, ∼92% of patients will be able to successfully return to the previous level of daily living activity and occupational tasks. In addition, the procedure is relatively simple and takes less time, and does not need high technical skills. Recovery is faster with minimal postoperative complications and accelerated rehabilitation (no deltoid detachment).