Comparison of arthroscopic double-pulley knotless suture bridge and conventional arthroscopic suture bridge for rotator cuff repair

Abstract

Objective To compare arthroscopic double-pulley knotless suture bridge with conven-tional arthroscopic suture bridge in repair of rotator cuff tear. Methods From May 2013 to May 2015, 70 patients with rotator cuff tear were repaired at our department. They were 38 males and 32 females, with a mean age of 53.7 years. They were randomized into 2 equal groups to receive repair either using arthroscopic double-pulley knotless suture bridge (the experimental group) or using conventional arthroscopic suture bridge (the control group). The 2 groups were compared postoperatively in terms of VAS (visual analogue scale), Constant, ASES (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons) and UCLA (University of California at Los Ange-les)scores, shoulder range of motion, and rotator cuff retear. Results The 2 groups were compatible with no significant differences in gender, age, laterality, tear type, or preoperative function or range of motion of the shoulder joint (P >0.05). At 12 months postoperatively, the VAS, Constant, ASES and UCLA scores and shoulder range of motion in the experimental group were respectively 1.1±1.3, 86.0±8.9, 13.3±0.8, 32.0±2.9, 156.8°±15.0° and 55.9°±5.8°, significantly improved than the preoperative values (P 0.05). No case of rotator cuff retear occurred in the experimental group while 5 cases were observed in the control group, showing a significant difference (0 versus 14.3%) (P< 0.05). Conclusions Compared with conventional arthroscopic suture bridge, arthroscopic dou-ble-pulley knotless suture bridge presents no significant differences in range of motion or function of the shoulder joint in repair of rotator cuff tear. However, the latter may lead to a lower incidence of rotator cuff retear and, additionally, is less skillfully demanding. Key words: Rotator cuff tear; Arthroscopy; Surgical procedures, minimally