Mini-Open Approach for Rotator Cuff Repair: Bone Tunnel Versus Suture Anchor Techniques

Abstract

Purpose : We evaluated and compared the clinical results of mini-open approaches using bone tunnel and suture anchor techniques for rotator cuff repair. Materials and Methods : We reviewed 31 cases with full thickness rotator cuff tears repaired using an arthroscopically assisted mini-open technique between February 1997 and August 1999. This study included only those patients who had a minimum follow-up of two years. Group A using bone tunnel technique was 14 cases, and group B using suture anchor technique was 17 cases. We analyzed the patients according to the University of California at Los Angeles shoulder rating scale. Results : Pain score improved from 2.9 preoperatively to 8.4 postoperatively in group A, and 2.6 to 8 in group B. Function score improved from 3.6 to 8.6 in group A, and 3.4 to 7.9 in group B. Strength score improved from 4 to 4.8 in group A, and 3.8 to 4.5 in group B. Overall, 85% of group A and 82% of group B had satisfactory results. However functional outcomes did not differ signifcantly between the two groups (p>0.05). And, any failures of suture anchor within the bone or 'saw through'phenomenon in the bone tunnel were not observed. Conclusion : Our results suggest that unless bone quality of the tuberosity is poor, both bone tunnel and suture anchor technique are useful for rotator cuff repair.