Double-row Repair Research Articles

Surgical Treatment of Gluteus Medius Tears

The gluteus medius originates on the posterior face of the ilium between the posterior and anterior gluteal lines and inserts into the lateral and superoposterior facets of the greater trochanter. Because of the asymmetric nature of the muscle, tears are more likely to occur on the thinner anterolateral portion of the tendon footprint. Gluteus medius tears range from interstitial, partial thickness tears to retracted, full-thickness tears and may result from trauma, but they are more commonly the result of chronic degeneration. Patients commonly present with lateral hip pain aggravated by weight bearing and sleeping on the affected side, weakness in abduction, and the Trendelenburg sign observable on physical examination. Indications for surgery include failed conservative treatment and an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging study demonstrating a torn tendon. Surgical intervention aims to reapproximate and secure the torn tendon to the tendon footprint on the greater trochanter via suture anchors. Both open and endoscopic techniques have shown to be effective methods for treating gluteus medius tears at short- and long-term follow-up; however, endoscopic techniques have been shown to result in fewer postoperative complications, such as retear. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found patients with more severe fatty infiltration (FI) may experience greater improvement after open repair, whereas patients with less severe FI may benefit more from endoscopic treatment. A double-row repair maximizes contact area between tendon and bone and has shown to be superior to single-row repair with an endoscopic technique.

EE152 Early Economic Analysis of Resorbable Bioinductive Implant in the Treatment of Full Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

Damaged rotator cuff tendons are one of the leading causes of shoulder-related disability. Resorbable Bioinductive Implant* (RBI) has been found to be safe and effective in the surgical treatment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears (FT RCT). This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of RBI + standard care (SC) compared to SC alone defined as arthroscopic repair with double row repair in the treatment of FT RCT.

H-loop Knotless Double-Row Repair Versus Knotted Suture Bridge for Rotator Cuff Tears: A Biomechanical and Histological Study in an Animal Model

Background: Knotted suture bridge repair (KSBR) has been widely proven to be an effective method for rotator cuff repairs. However, the occurrence of type 2 failure after suture bridge repair remains a frequent problem because of the stress concentration and disturbance of tendon perfusion in the medial row. The authors have developed the H-loop knotless double–row repair (HLDR) to counteract these problems. Purpose: To compare the biomechanical and histological outcomes of HLDR and KSBR for rotator cuff tear in the rabbit model. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Acute bilateral supraspinatus tears were created on the shoulders of 46 New Zealand White rabbits. HLDR and KSBR were randomly performed on the left side or right side. Thirteen animals each were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery (n = 39), with 6 rabbits used for histological evaluation and the other 7 rabbits for biomechanical testing. The remaining 7 animals from the original 46 were only used for initial biomechanical evaluation at week 0. Results: Macroscopically, all repaired tendons were connected to their footprint on the greater tuberosity without postoperative complications at 8 weeks after surgery. The HLDR group had significantly better histological bone–to–tendon integration compared with the KSBR group in terms of fibrocartilage regeneration, collagen composition, and fiber organization. The biomechanical outcomes in the HLDR group were demonstrated to be better than those of the KSBR group at time 0 and 8 weeks after surgery. Conclusion: Both repair techniques were effective for rotator cuff tears in a rabbit rotator cuff tear model; however, HLDR demonstrated more advantages in improving biomechanical properties and histological tendon–to–bone healing compared with KSBR. Clinical Relevance: This animal study suggested that HLDR might be an alternative choice for rotator cuff tears in humans to increase tendon–to–bone healing and reduce the rate of failure to heal.

Statistical Fragility of Single-Row Versus Double-Row Anchoring for Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review of Comparative Studies.

Background:Comparative studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) often use the P (probability) value to convey the statistical significance of their findings. P values are an imperfect measure, however, and are vulnerable to a small number of outcome reversals to alter statistical significance. The inclusion of a fragility index (FI) and fragility quotient (FQ) may aid in the interpretation of a study’s statistical strength.Purpose/Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to examine the statistical stability of studies comparing single-row to double-row rotator cuff repair. It was hypothesized that the findings of these studies would be vulnerable to a small number of outcome event reversals, often fewer than the number of patients lost to follow-up.Study Design:Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:We analyzed comparative studies and RCTs on primary single-row versus double-row rotator cuff repair that were published between 2000 and 2021 in 10 leading orthopaedic journals. Statistical significance was defined as a P < .05. The FI for each outcome was determined by the number of event reversals necessary to alter significance. The FQ was calculated by dividing the FI by the respective sample size.Results:Of 4896 studies screened, 22 comparative studies, 10 of which were RCTs, were ultimately included for analysis. A total of 74 outcomes were examined. Overall, the median FI was 2 (interquartile range [IQR], 1-3), and the median FQ was 0.035 (IQR, 0.020-0.057). The mean FI was 2.55 ± 1.29, and the mean FQ was 0.043 ± 0.027. In 64% of outcomes, the FI was less than the number of patients lost to follow-up.) Additionally, 81% of significant outcomes needed just a single outcome reversal to lose their significance.Conclusion:Over half of the studies currently used to guide clinical practice have a number of patients lost to follow-up greater than their FI. The results of these studies should be interpreted within the context of these limitations. Future analyses may benefit from the inclusion of the FI and the FQ in their statistical analyses.

Surgical Technique of Arthroscopic Transosseous Implant-Less Rotator Cuff Repair Using “Arthrocuff” System

Rotator cuff tears remain one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and disability. Although many repair techniques like single-row, double-row, and transosseous equivalent repair have become popular, transosseous repair still remains the gold standard.Arthroscopic transosseous repair is a safe and affordable alternative to suture anchors. Considering this fact, a reusable instrumentation “ArthroCuff”, was developed by SpowerN Medical Equipment (Chennai, India) in collaboration with the National Hub for Healthcare Device Development, India. Arthrocuff system not only aids a robust transosseous rotator cuff repair, but it is also cost-effective. We present the video technique of Arthrocuff for rotator cuff repair.

A biomechanical comparison of subscapularis tenotomy repair techniques for stemless shoulder arthroplasty.

One of the leading challenges for surgeons shifting to stemless anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is subscapularis repair. In the available literature reporting outcomes after stemless TSA, subscapularis tenotomy with side-to-side repair is the most common technique despite some concerns regarding this technique in the biomechanical and clinical literature. Accordingly, this study investigated subscapularis tenotomy repair with stemless TSA with 2 primary objectives: (1) to evaluate the subscapularis tendon dimensions with reference to subscapularis tenotomy to determine the amount of tendon remaining for side-to-side repair after shoulder arthroplasty and (2) to biomechanically compare 2 methods of subscapularis tenotomy repair after stemless TSA-side-to-side repair and anchor-based repair. We used 12 male shoulder specimens for this study. To address our first objective, measurements were made to calculate the dimensions of the subscapularis tendon at the superior, middle, and inferior levels to determine the amount of tendon remaining after tenotomy. These specimens were then divided into 2 groups (n = 6 in each group) to biomechanically compare subscapularis tenotomy repair with (1) traditional side-to-side repair and (2) anchor-based repair. The shoulders then underwent biomechanical testing with primary outcomes including load to failure and cyclic displacement. The mean subscapularis tendon width measured from the medial insertion at the lesser tuberosity to the muscle-tendon junction varied depending on the level: 19.5 mm superiorly (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.2-22.8 mm); 18.3 mm at the midportion (95% CI, 13.6-23.0 mm); and 13.1 mm inferiorly (95% CI, 9.1-17.1 mm). With a tenotomy made 1 cm medial to the lesser tuberosity insertion, a mean of 3.1 mm of tendon remained medially at the inferior subscapularis, with one-third of specimens having no tendon left medially at this level. On comparison of tenotomy repair techniques, the anchor-based technique had a 57% higher ultimate load to failure compared with the side-to-side repair (448 N vs. 249 N, P < .001). There were no significant differences in cyclic displacement (6.1 mm vs. 7.1 mm, P = .751) and construct stiffness (38.1 N/mm vs. 42.9 N/mm, P = .461) between techniques. With traditional techniques for subscapularis tenotomy for anatomic TSA, there is very little tendon remaining inferiorly for side-to-side repair. When subscapularis tenotomy is performed for stemless TSA, a double-row anchor-based repair has a better time-zero ultimate load to failure compared with side-to-side repair.

Injection of Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma for Moderate-to-Large Rotator Cuff Tears Does Not Improve Clinical Outcomes but Reduces Retear Rates and Fatty Infiltration: A Prospective, Single-Blinded Randomized Study

To determine whether leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma (Lp-PRP) reduced retear rates, reduced fatty infiltration, and improved functional outcomes in patients with degenerative moderate-to-large rotator cuff tears. This was a randomized controlled study at a single center. A consecutive series of 104 patients with moderate-to-large rotator cuff tears was enrolled and randomly allocated to a control group (double-row suture-bridge arthroscopic rotator cuff repair alone, n= 52) and a study group (double-row suture-bridge repair followed by 3 Lp-PRP injections at the tendon repair site during surgery, at days 7 and 14 after surgery, n= 52). All patients were followed up for 27.2 months (range 24-36 months), with University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale, the Constant score, and a visual analog scale (VAS) evaluated respectively. The integrity and fatty infiltration of repaired tissue were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging using the Sugaya classification and Goutallier grade classification at 24 months after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed based on the t test, χ2 test, and the Kendall tau-b correlation coefficient. Four patients refused follow-up, and 11 patients had incomplete data. Eventually, a total of 89 patients were available for 24 months follow-up. The mean UCLA score increased from 14.80 ± 2.53 to 29.37 ± 2.06 in control group and from 13.74 ± 3.30 to 30.14 ± 2.32 in study group (P= .103). The mean Constant score increased from 46.56 ± 5.90 to 86.83 ± 4.94 in control group and from 44.37 ± 7.92 to 88.80 ± 4.92 in study group (P= .063). The VAS score decreased from 3.22 ± 1.24 to 0.97 ± 1.12 in control group and in 3.49 ± 1.52 to 1.16 ± 0.99 in study group (P= .41). All differences in UCLA score, Constant score, and VAS between pre- and postoperation achieved minimal clinically important differences proposed for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Of the 89 patients, 76 had magnetic resonance imaging performed at 24 months after surgery. The retear rate was 17.6% in study group, which was lower than that in control group (38.1%, P= .049). In addition, the Goutallier grade was found to be significant difference between groups postoperatively (Kendall tau-b -0.24, P= .03) but no significant difference preoperatively (Kendall tau-b -0.18, P= .11). There were no complications in the patients. Our procedures involving repeated injections of Lp-PRP during surgery and at days 7 and 14, as described in this study, have positive effects on reducing retear rate and promoting Goutallier grade in patients following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and could also provide substantial clinical outcomes that reach the minimal clinically important difference for surgical treatment. However, given the numbers available for analysis, it did not promote better clinical results when compared with the control group. II, randomized controlled study.

Triceps Tendon Repair

Background: Triceps tendon tear has a low incidence. Therefore, surgical repair of the triceps tendon is performed only by a small number of orthopedic surgeons. Indications: To provide information regarding the current treatment algorithm and surgical technique. Technique Description: The triceps tendon is exposed through a posterior approach. The tendon is then longitudinally split to expose the deep degenerated tissue. The degenerated tissue and any existing osteophytes are removed. The superficial layer of the tendon is sewn back down to the deeper layer of the tendon. The tendon is advanced distally, and the split incision is closed. This is followed by double–row repair with suture anchors. Results: Excellent clinical outcomes have been reported with re–rupture rates of around 7% at a 4–year follow–up. Discussion/Conclusion: Partial and complete ruptures of the triceps tendon require surgical treatment. Current surgical treatment options yield excellent clinical outcomes.

Open Fixation of Displaced Greater Tuberosity Fractures Yields Similar Patient-Reported Outcomes to Acute Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair at 2 Years: A Matched Cohort Analysis

PurposeTo evaluate and compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fracture fixation versus acute rotator cuff repair (RCR) at a minimum of 2 years.MethodsPatients who underwent isolated GT fracture fixation were compared in a 1-to-3 fashion with patients who underwent arthroscopic RCR for an acute rotator cuff tear by a single surgeon from January 2006 and to July 2018. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. PROs were compared pre- and postoperatively as well as between groups (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES], General Health Short Form-12 Physical Component [SF-12 PCS], Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation [SANE], Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand [QuickDASH], and satisfaction). Reoperation rates were analyzed.ResultsA total of 57 patients (14 with isolated GT fracture fixation, mean age 45.7 years; and 43 who underwent ARCR for acute tears, mean age 56.6 years) were evaluated (P = .050). ASES scores significantly improved from 39.7 to 94.1 (P = .018) in the isolated GT fracture fixation group and from 51.0 to 95.2 (P < .001) in acute RCR group. At final follow-up, mean QuickDASH scores were 8.9 and 7.9 (P = .677) and SANE scores were 91.1 and 87.3 (P = .616) for the GT and acute RCR groups, respectively. The median satisfaction was 10/10 for the GT group and 10/10 for the RCR group. Additional comparison of patients who underwent double-row repair for an acute rotator cuff tear or isolated GT fracture revealed no significant difference in outcomes (P > .404).ConclusionMinimum 2-year PROs after fixation of isolated GT fractures show relatively high outcome scores whether treated by open reduction and internal fixation or arthroscopic fixation using a double-row bridging technique. The improvements in PROs are similar to those achieved with acute rotator cuff tears that were fixed arthroscopically with RCR. Further analysis of these results suggest that the functional outcomes of tendon-to-bone healing with linked, double-row rotator cuff repairs are similar to those of bone-to-bone healing as seen with GT fractures.Level of EvidenceIII, retrospective comparative study.

Endoscopic Gluteus Medius Repair Replicates Open, Knotless Repair With Similar Cyclic Loading Properties: A Cadaveric Study

PurposeTo compare the repair strength, gap formation, and mode of failure between endoscopic and open double-row gluteus medius repairs in a cadaveric model.MethodsSix pairs of fresh-frozen human cadavers were used in this study. Gluteus medius tears were created in an open fashion and then repaired with either open or endoscopic techniques. Specimens were manually preloaded to 5 N, then cycled between 20-50 N for 150 cycles s. Then, a ramp to/s. Specimens were then returned to 10 N and ramped to failure at 1 mm/s. Gap formation and strengths of the construct were compared for the 2 techniques.ResultsBiomechanical testing resulted in no significant differences in ultimate load (P = .86) or gap formation (P > .10) between groups. Ninety-two percent of specimens failed near the muscle origin on the ilium.ConclusionsThis study shows that both open and endoscopic gluteus medius repairs are stronger than the muscle–bone interface in a cadaveric model and loaded biomechanically in tension between the ilium origin and femoral insertion. Further, endoscopic technique is able to replicate open, knotless gluteus medius repair technique in terms of gap formation in physiologic (i.e., subfailure) cyclic loading.Clinical RelevanceGluteus medius tendinopathy is an increasingly common recognized etiology of lateral hip pain. When tears occur, debate exists over whether open or endoscopic repair procedures are optimal. Double-row endoscopic gluteus medius repair with knotless suture anchors may be an alternative to open repair.

The effect of the number of anchors used in the medial row on clinical outcomes in arthroscopic double row repair of rotator cuff tears: retrospective evaluation of patients with 3 to 7 years of follow-up

Aim: Arthroscopic double row (DR) suture anchor repair is one of the most frequently applied methods in the surgical treatment of rotator cuff tear (RCT). Various modifications have been tried to eliminate some of the disadvantages of this technique such as operation time, high cost, and the high risk of retearing. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether placing a single or double suture anchor in the medial row affects clinical and functional outcomes and retear rates in patients with RCT who were operated with the DR suture anchor technique.&#x0D; Material and Method: A retrospective study including 58 patients aged 18-65 years who underwent DR suture anchor repair due to medium-sized RCT and had a minimum follow-up period of 3 years was conducted. One knotless anchor was placed in the lateral row in all patients. In the medial row, we placed 1 all suture anchor (ASA) in group 1 and 2 ASAs in group 2. Visual pain scale (VAS), University of California Los Angeles Score (UCLA), American shoulder and elbow score (ASES) scales were used for preoperative and postoperative clinical and functional evaluation, and complications and retears were recorded.&#x0D; Results: When the preoperative and postoperative VAS, UCLA and ASES scores were compared within groups, there were significant difference from pre- to post-operative findings in both groups (p 0.05). Operation time in Group 1 was significantly shorter than in Group 2 (p

Improved biomechanics in experimental chronic rotator cuff repair after shockwaves is not reflected by bone microarchitecture.

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the effect of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) on bone microstructure as well as the bone-tendon-interface and the musculo-tendinous transition zone to explain the previously shown improved biomechanics in a degenerative rotator cuff tear animal model. This study hypothesized that biomechanical improvements related to ESWT are a result of improved bone microstructure and muscle tendon properties.MethodsIn this controlled laboratory study unilateral supraspinatus (SSP) tendon detachment was performed in 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats. After a degeneration period of three weeks, SSP tendon was reconstructed transosseously. Rats were randomly assigned into three groups (n = 16 per group): control (noSW); intraoperative shockwave treatment (IntraSW); intra- and postoperative shockwave treatment (IntraPostSW). Eight weeks after SSP repair, all rats were sacrificed and underwent bone microstructure analysis as well as histological and immunohistochemical analyses.ResultsWith exception of cortical porosity at the tendon area, bone microstructure analyses revealed no significant differences between the three study groups regarding cortical and trabecular bone parameters. Cortical Porosity at the Tendon Area was lowest in the IntraPostSW (p≤0.05) group. Histological analyses showed well-regenerated muscle and tendon structures in all groups. Immunohistochemistry detected augmented angiogenesis at the musculo-tendinous transition zone in both shockwave groups indicated by CD31 positive stained blood vessels.ConclusionIn conclusion, bone microarchitecture changes are not responsible for previously described improved biomechanical results after shockwave treatment in rotator cuff repair in rodents. Immunohistochemical analysis showed neovascularization at the musculo-tendinous transition zone within ESWT-treated animals. Further studies focusing on neovascularization at the musculo-tendinous transition zone are necessary to explain the enhanced biomechanical and functional properties observed previously.Clinical relevanceIn patients treated with a double-row SSP tendon repair, an improvement in healing through ESWT, especially in this area, could prevent a failure of the medial row, which is considered a constantly observed tear pattern.

Endoscopic Insertional Achilles Reconstruction with Double Row Suture Bridge Reconstruction: A Technique Tip

Category:Ankle; ArthroscopyIntroduction/Purpose:Insertional Achilles tendinopathy can be a debilitating condition that often fails to improve with non- surgical management such as bracing and physical therapy. Traditional surgical techniques include an open debridement of the diseased tendon and resection of calcaneal spurs. This is followed by repair of the tendon. Suture anchors are often used to secure the tendon, but recent advances in tendon fixation, including the advent of double row repairs, has allowed better biomechanical repairs and faster rehabilitation. Additionally, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and endoscopic techniques have advanced to allow successful treatment of all aspects of the condition while minimizing wound complications and infectionMethods:The authors present a technique to treat insertional Achilles tendinopathy and calcaneal bone spurs using MIS techniques while also incorporating a percutaneous double row suture anchor repair. The technique utilizes four portals to access two endoscopic working planes. The burr is inserted deep to the tendon and the calcaneoplasty is performed. Subsequently, the endoscope is inserted alongside a shaver to remove bony debris and debulk the anterior aspect of the Achilles areas of tendinopathy. Following this, the portals are used to place a double row suture anchor repair.Results:With over 75 surgeries performed, there have been zero wound complications and patients have been able to return to full weight bearing within 10 days after surgery. Follow up outcome data is currently being collected and will be reported as a case series once sufficient patients have completed their follow up.Conclusion:This study presents double-row repair following an endoscopic assisted MIS calcaneoplasty and Achilles debridement. The technique combines the benefits of the double row suture bridge repair with a minimal incision technique to debride the insertional tendinosis. In order to adequately debride the tendon and the posterior calcaneal tuberosity, the tendon foot print is elevated as the burr removes the bone at the insertion. The anterior portion of the tendon, which may be a pain generator as well, isdebrided endoscopically with the shaver. Finally, a double row suture bridge repair is performed in order to allow early weight bearing and rehabilitation.

Distal Triceps Tendon Injury

Background: Triceps tendon ruptures typically result from a forceful elbow eccentric contraction. The goal of a distal triceps tendon repair is to reattach the torn tendon back to the olecranon. Surgery is indicated for patients with complete rupture of the triceps tendon or symptomatic partial tears with failed conservative management. The complication rate occurs in 22% of patients postoperatively; however, only 0% to 4% of patients suffer a re-rupture of the tendon. Indications: We present a case of a highly active 38-year-old right-hand dominant man with acute onset of left posterior elbow pain following 1-handed pushup resulting in a complete distal triceps avulsion with 1.5 cm retraction. Technique: The distal triceps avulsion was repaired in a double row fashion using 2 double-loaded all-suture anchors in the medial row and anchor in the lateral row through a posterior approach. Results: Full anatomic footprint coverage was able to be achieved intraoperatively, and gentle range of motion from 0 to 90 degrees of flexion did not result in gap formation. Discussion/Conclusion: Successful outcomes with full anatomic footprint coverage of the distal triceps tendon can be achieved through a double row repair configuration.

Review of Achilles Tendon Reattachment Using Double-Row Knotted and Knotless Techniques in the Management of Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy represents a chronic degenerative condition affecting the insertion of the Achilles. Surgery is indicated in recalcitrant cases and often involves extensive debridement followed by subsequent repair of the insertion. In the present study, we evaluate the results of knotted and knotless double-row suture systems for Achilles reattachment. Despite the popularity of double-row repairs, there is a relative paucity of clinic data regarding efficacy of the available implants. In a retrospective cohort study, 38 patients (40 Achilles tendons) who received double-row repairs between November 2012 and December 2016 were evaluated. In addition to demographic information, preoperative pain scores and symptom duration were recorded. Perioperative and postoperative records were reviewed, and telephone interviews were conducted to assess patient satisfaction, functional status, postoperative pain, and information regarding surgical complications. At a mean follow-up of 32.5 months, 35 (92.1%) patients reported satisfaction with the outcome. Decreased pain levels were reported in 38 (95%) ankles, with 21 (52.5%) ankles being rated pain-free postoperatively. Of the patients working prior to surgery, 20 (95.2%) were able to return to normal work duties, and all 11 (100%) patients who engaged in sports preoperatively were able to return to the same level of activity. Two patients developed postoperative infections, one of which required operative debridement. No Achilles avulsions were encountered. No significant differences were noted between the 2 operative techniques. Considering the available biomechanical data, along with high patient satisfaction rates and low rate of complications, double-row repair offers a viable option for recalcitrant insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Knotted Versus Knotless Medial-Row Transosseous-Equivalent Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repairs Have Similar Clinical and Functional Outcomes

PurposeTo retrospectively investigate the clinical and functional outcomes of patients who underwent knotted medial-row rotator cuff repair (KT-RCR) compared with patients who underwent knotless medial-row rotator cuff repair (KL-RCR).MethodsA retrospective chart review of patients who underwent double-row transosseous-equivalent rotator cuff repair in 2016 was performed at a single institution with 2-year follow-up. Information regarding demographic characteristics, preoperative tear size (magnetic resonance imaging), surgical variables (including method of suture stabilization), preoperative and postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, and all complications (e.g., cuff failure, adhesive capsulitis, and persistent pain) was compiled.ResultsA total of 189 patients met the inclusion criteria: 72 in the KL-RCR group and 117 in the KT-RCR group. No significant difference in preoperative ASES scores was found between the KL-RCR and KT-RCR groups (48.3 vs 45.4, P = .327). Postoperative ASES scores did not differ between the groups (82.4 for KL-RCR vs 78.8 for KT-RCR, P = .579). We found no significant difference in cuff failure rates after 2 years, determined by magnetic resonance imaging (5.6% for KL-RCR vs 6.1% for KT-RCR, P > .999), or complication rates (11.1% for KL-RCR vs 8.6% for KT-RCR, P = .743).ConclusionsThe knotted approach and knotless approach to double-row rotator cuff repair showed similar outcome scores, cuff failure rates, and complication rates at minimum 2-year follow-up.Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective therapeutic comparative trial.

A comparison of simple and complex single-row versus transosseous-equivalent double-row repair techniques for full-thickness rotator cuff tears: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundRotator cuff injuries have traditionally been managed by either single-row or double-row arthroscopic repair techniques. Complex single-row techniques have recently been proposed as a biomechanically stronger alternative treatment option. However, no rigorous meta-analysis has evaluated the effectiveness of complex single-row against double-row repair. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients with full-thickness rotator cuff injuries treated with both simple and complex single-row, as well as transosseous-equivalent (TOE) double-row procedures.MethodsAn up-to-date literature search was performed using the predefined search strategy. All studies that met the inclusion criteria were assessed for methodological quality and included in the meta-analysis. Pain, functional scores, range of motion, and retear rate were all considered in the study.ConclusionThe results of our meta-analysis suggest that there is no significant difference between complex single-row and TOE double-row procedures in any of the observed outcomes. At this point in time, the available comparative data between simple single-row and TOE double-row repair techniques are limited. Further high-quality studies are required to assess the clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of these different techniques.

The effect of row number on clinical and life quality outcomes of patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Objective: Shoulder pain and disability are mostly seen following rotator cuff rupture. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair becomes a gold standard treatment for rotator cuff rupture when conservative treatment fails. Comparing functional results, retear rates and reoperation rates of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in terms of single-row versus double row techniques is our aim in this study. &#x0D; Material and Method: Overall, 174 arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery patients were specified into 2 groups. Group 1 consists of 81 patients underwent single-row repair and group 2 consists of 93 patients consisted of transosseos equivalent technique double row. We evaluated demographic data and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Constant Murley, Visual analogue scale and 36-item Short Form subscale scores.&#x0D; Results: Mean follow-up time was 14.08±4.77 months. ASES, CM and VAS following ARCR were similar between two groups. Some of SF-36 subscale score improvements after operation are significantly better in group 2; role limitations due to physical health (p = 0.041), energy/fatigue (p = 0.026), emotional well-being (p = 0.017), pain (p = 0.010), general health (p = 0.037). Re-rupture rates were significantly different. In group 1 re-rupture rate was 13.6% and for group 2 it was 1.1% (p = 0.001).&#x0D; Conclusion: Lower re-rupture rates, and improved quality of life outcomes at short-term follow-up can be obtained by arthroscopic double-row repair. We suggest that the double-row technique can be considered for patients who have medium to large rotator cuff tears for lower re-rupture rates and some quality of life outcomes.

Rotator cuff retear after repair surgery: comparison between experienced and inexperienced surgeons.

BackgroundWe hypothesized in this study that the characteristics of retear cases vary according to surgeon volume and that surgical outcomes differ between primary and revision arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (revisional ARCR).MethodsSurgeons performing more than 12 rotator cuff repairs (RCRs) per year were defined as high-volume surgeons, and those performing fewer than 12 RCRs were considered low-volume surgeons. Of the 47 patients who underwent revisional ARCR at our clinic enrolled in this study, 21 cases were treated by high-volume surgeons and 26 cases by low-volume surgeons. In all cases, the interval between primary surgery and revisional ARCR, degree of “acromial scuffing,” number of anchors, RCR technique, retear pattern, fatty infiltration, retear size, operating time, and clinical outcome were recorded.ResultsDuring primary surgery, significantly more lateral anchors (p=0.004) were used, and the rate of use of the double-row repair technique was significantly higher (p<0.001) in the high- versus low-volume surgeon group. Moreover, the “cut-through pattern” was observed significantly more frequently among the cases treated by high- versus low-volume surgeons (p=0.008). The clinical outcomes after revisional ARCR were not different between the two groups.ConclusionsDouble-row repair during primary surgery and the cut-through pattern during revisional ARCR were more frequent in the high- versus low-volume surgeon groups. However, no differences in retear site or size, fatty infiltration grade, or outcomes were observed between the groups.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Rotator Cuff Repairs Using All-Suture Anchors as Medial Row Anchors.

The aim of our study is to report the clinical and radiological outcomes of a series of prospectively enrolled patients who have had double-row transosseous equivalent rotator cuff repairs, where all-suture anchors were used as medial-row anchors, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Twenty-two consecutive patients underwent arthroscopic transosseous equivalent double-row rotator cuff repair using all-suture anchors as medial-row anchors. Oxford Shoulder Score, Constant Score and Visual Analogue Scale pain score, together with shoulder range of motion, were used preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months and final follow-up. Radiological evaluation was performed with magnetic resonance imaging at one-year post surgery to assess the structural integrity of the repair and the rate of cyst formation in greater tuberosity. The patient mean age was 61 years (range 46-75). Minimum follow-up was 1 year, and the mean final follow-up was 15 months (range 12-24). Healing failure in our patients was less than 5% (1/22 patients). There were significant improvements in shoulder function outcome scores at final follow-up. The Constant and Oxford scores were 78 and 44 at final follow-up respectively. There were similar magnitudes of improvement in range of motion (combined abduction and rotation), pain score and supraspinatus strength at final follow up. The improvements in outcome scores were already statistically significant at 3 months (P<.001). Using Kim's classification for cyst formation on T2-weighted MRI images, we observed no fluid or minimal fluid collection in 85% of the patients (17/22 patients). There were no correlations between the grade of bone changes and the clinical outcomes. It is safe to use all-suture anchors as medial-row anchors when performing double-row anchor transosseous equivalent rotator cuff repairs. The purported advantages of all-suture anchors may outweigh their perceived disadvantages in rotator cuff repair surgery.