Choice of Initial Operation and Functional Outcome in Rotator Cuff Repair on Both Shoulder

Abstract

Purpose: We evaluated the influencing factors in selection of initial operation and outcomes after operative treatment of symptomatic rotator cuff tear including both sides. Materials and Methods: From December 2000 to March 2011, 60 shoulders of 30 patients underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair by a single experienced shoulder surgeon in our clinic. We retrospectively compared outcome by operation order according to hand dominance, tear size and by operation timing, operation method, and tear size. Symptom period was 10 months until the first operation and 19 months until the second operation. Interval between first and second operation was nine months. Results: In comparison by operation order according to hand dominance and tear size, the functional scores did not differ significantly between the initial repair and delayed repair group (p>0.05). In comparison in a total of 60 cases, the functional outcome according to the operation timing and method of operation was not significantly different (p>0.05). The smaller sized tear group showed significantly better functional outcome, compared to the larger sized tear group (p<0.05). Conclusion: In cases of both-side symptomatic rotator cuff tear, most operations were performed on the more symptomatic side and the dominant arm first. The functional outcome showed improvement, regardless of operation order according to hand dominance and tear size, and regardless of operation timing and operation method as well. Tear size was the only significant factor influencing functional outcome.