Abstract
BackgroundTear conversion followed by repair and trans-tendon techniques have been widely used for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. Both of them showed favorable results with regard to the management of articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) of more than 50 % thickness. However, controversy continues with the best management. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes between the two techniques.MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched for relevant studies published before October 1, 2014. Studies that clearly reported a comparison between the two procedures were selected. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scale (ASES) and the re-tear rate were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the special meta-analysis software called “Comprehensive Meta Analysis”.ResultsFinal meta-analysis after the full-text review included four studies about tear conversion followed by repair and seven studies about trans-tendon technique. The trans-tendon technique showed no significant difference with the tear conversion followed by repair technique with regard to the ASES scale (P = 0.69). But the re-tear rate (P < 0.05) was markedly lower in the trans-tendon technique group than the tear conversion and repair technique group.ConclusionIn conclusion, the meta-analysis suggests that the trans-tendon technique is better than the tear conversion followed by repair technique with regard to the management of articular-sided PTRCTs of more than 50 % thickness in the re-tear rate aspect.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13018-015-0224-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) may occur on the articular side, within the tendon, or on the bursal side, with the articular-sided tears being 2–3 times more common than bursal-sided tears [1, 2]
Several techniques have been introduced for the repair of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs), including acromioplasty alone, debridement of the partial-thickness tear with or without acromioplasty, trans-tendinous repair, or
Final meta-analysis after the full-text review included four studies about tear conversion followed by repair technique and seven studies about trans-tendon technique
Summary
Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) may occur on the articular side, within the tendon, or on the bursal side, with the articular-sided tears being 2–3 times more common than bursal-sided tears [1, 2]. The purpose of this study was to conduct a metaanalysis to compare the two techniques for treating articular-sided PTRCTs of more than 50 % thickness. Tear conversion followed by repair and trans-tendon techniques have been widely used for partialthickness rotator cuff tears. Both of them showed favorable results with regard to the management of articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) of more than 50 % thickness. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes between the two techniques
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