Outcomes of Large and Massive Chronic Rotator Cuff Tears Repaired Using the Double Interval Slide Technique (SS-42)

Abstract

Arthroscopic repair of massive rotator cuff tears using the double interval slide has shown promising results. Significant postoperative increases were seen in range of motion and outcome scores. The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcomes of chronic large and massive rotator cuff tears repaired using the double interval slide technique. From 2003 to 2005, 30 patients with chronic large and massive rotator cuff tears underwent arthroscopic repair using the double interval slide technique. Variables included age, gender, defect size and location. Range of motion, The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) elbow score and the American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES) were used to assess function pre and postoperatively. Variables were assessed using the student's t-test where appropriate. Average age at surgery was 53.4 years. 14 patients were male and 16 female. 7 shoulders were left and 23 right. Final follow-up was an average 7.4 months (range, 1 – 15). 4 patients were lost to follow-up. Abduction increased an average 15.8 degrees (p<0.05). Forward flexion increased an average 22.6 degrees (p<0.05). External rotation increased an average 7.6 degrees (p<0.05). Internal rotation increased to T10/T11 for most patients. Postoperative UCLA and ASES scores increased by an average of 13.7 points (p<0.05) and 51.9 points (p<0.05), respectively. Arthroscopic repair of chronic large and massive rotator cuff tears using the double interval slide has demonstrated promising early results. Statistically significant increases in shoulder scores, combined with improved clinical results, suggest that this technique is comparable to other established repairs.