Long-term Functional and Pain Outcomes Following Arthroscopic Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear Completion and Repair

Abstract

Objective: There remains little consensus on the optimal treatment approach for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears and few studies have examined the long-term outcomes of different surgical repair techniques. The purpose of this study is to identify the long-term functional and pain outcomes of arthroscopic tear completion followed by repair. The authors hypothesize that this technique will allow patients to have long-term pain relief and return to a pre-injury level of function. Methods: Patients (n=16) who underwent arthroscopic tear completion and repair for a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear were included in this case series. Each patient returned for a one-time follow-up visit, with an average follow-up time of 7.09 years, at which time physical and neurological exams were performed, quality of life was assessed through subjective questionnaires, American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder scores were obtained, and magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Results: The average ASES score was 85.3, with 81% of patients reporting that they were able to return to a pre-injury level of function. Half of the patients reported the highest possible UCLA shoulder score of 35. Physical examination showed that patients had excellent strength and range of motion. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated continuity of the repair in all but one patient. However, 25% of patients reported return of symptoms since surgery, including pain and limited mobility. Conclusion: At an average of 7.09 years follow-up, most patients were found to have full mobility, pre-injury level of activity, and maintenance of rotator cuff integrity in the surgically treated shoulder. However, one fourth of patients reported return of symptoms. The authors conclude that the tear completion and repair technique can lead to long-term functional improvement, but has less favorable results in terms of subjective pain level and quality of life.