Editorial Commentary: Superior Capsule Reconstruction: Acellular Allograft at 45° of Glenohumeral Abduction Improves Glenohumeral Stability, but Fascia Lata Autograft Remains Superior

Abstract

Originally, fascia lata autograft was used for superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) to restore glenohumeral stability in irreparable rotator cuff tears. Consistently excellent clinical outcomes with low graft tear rates have been reported, without repair of tears in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons. On the basis of our experience and studies published in the 15 years since the first SCR using fascia lata autograft in 2007, we can say that this technique is the gold standard. SCR using fascia lata autograft can cover all irreparable rotator cuff tears (Hamada grade 1-3; although the indication for SCR using other grafts, including dermal allograft, biceps, and hamstrings, is only Hamada grade 1 or 2); creates excellent clinical outcomes with low graft tear rates in short-term, long-term, and multicenter studies; regenerates the fibrocartilaginous insertions at both the greater tuberosity and superior glenoid according to histological study; and enables complete restoration of shoulder stability and subacromial contact pressure in cadaveric biomechanical studies.In some countries, dermal allograft is preferred for SCR. However, high rates of graft tear and complications have been reported after SCR using dermal allografts, even in limited indications of irreparable rotator cuff tears (Hamada grade 1 or 2). This high failure rate results from the lack of stiffness and thickness of the dermal allograft. Dermal allografts in SCR can be elongated by 15% after only a couple of physiological shoulder movements, whereas fascia lata graft cannot. This 15% graft elongation, which creates less glenohumeral stability and high graft tear after SCR, is a fatal problem of dermal allograft for SCR in irreparable rotator cuff tears. Current research suggests that SCR using dermal allografts is not strongly recommended for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears. Dermal allograft probably should be used only for augmentation of rotator cuff complete repair.