Full-thickness Supraspinatus Tears Research Articles

A rare case report on physical therapy rehabilitation of arthroscopic repair of full-thickness supraspinatus tear in a 61-year-old woman

A rare case report on physical therapy rehabilitation of arthroscopic repair of full-thickness supraspinatus tear in a 61-year-old woman

Comparing the efficacy of PRP vs hyaluronic acid vs placebo injections in the management of supraspinatus tendinopathy; randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare the effect of local injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Hyaluronic acid, or Placebo for management of Supraspinatus tendinopathy (SST) and their outcomes regarding functional scores and MRI changes. Design: Double-blind randomized controlled trial with 1-year follow-up. Methods: 60 Participants recruited from an outpatient Orthopaedic clinic had clinically and radiologically (MRI)–demonstrated SST refractory to physical therapy. They received a local injection of either 3.5 mL of PRP, Hyaluronic acid (2 doses a week apart), or 3.0 mL of 1% xylocaine at the lesion and surrounding tendon (20 participants each). Patients aged from 21 to 65 years with symptoms of SST for 3 months or more do not improve after at least 4 weeks of formal physical therapy with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes indicating tendinopathy without RC tears or labral lesions, or significant glenohumeral arthrosis. Exclusion criteria included joint instability, patients on anticoagulation therapy, history of shoulder surgery, full-thickness Supraspinatus tear, Type 3 or 4 acromions, and corticosteroid injection within 3 months. Primary outcome: 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS) and functional shoulder tests assessing rotator cuff strength and endurance (at baseline and 8 and 12 weeks).

Correlation between MRI and diagnostic arthroscopy in shoulder injuries

Background: Shoulder injuries tend to present mainly as pain and often leads to considerable disability. It is essential that a diagnosis of the shoulder pathology is made and treatment started immediately to attain prompt recovery and avoid chronicity and complications. The current gold standard diagnostic investigation is arthroscopy. MRI is a proven sensitive and accurate non-invasive tool for detecting internal derangement and assessing overall joint structures, but many studies have reported false positive and negative results. The aim of the study is to compare the accuracy of the two Diagnostic Modalities, Arthroscopy and MRI, in bony and ligamentous structure injury of the shoulder joint. Methods: Twenty one cases of the age group 18-60 years presenting with shoulder pain following injury were included in our study, where MRI was performed followed by Arthroscopy. The data were analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value and the correlation between MRI and Arthroscopy is done with the help of these statistics. Results: In the study highest sensitivity was found in full-thickness Supraspinatus tear, Bankart’s lesion and Hill-Sachs lesion. The highest specificity and highest positive predictive value was found in Impingement syndrome, full thickness supraspinatus tear, Hill-Sachs lesion and Adhesive capsulitis. The highest negative predictive value was found in full-thickness supraspinatus tear, Bankart’s lesion and Hill-Sachs lesion. Conclusion: MRI is an accurate, practical, efficient, non-invasive diagnostic modality in shoulder injuries, specially in conditions like full- thickness supraspinatus tear, impingement syndrome, Hill-Sachs lesion and Bankart’s lesion.

Acromial Morphology Does Not Correlate with Age at Time of Rotator Cuff Tear: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background The purpose of this study was to determine if scapular anatomy differs between younger and older patients with atraumatic full-thickness supraspinatus tears. Methods The critical shoulder angle, acromial index and lateral acromial angle were measured on standardized radiographs of two groups of patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of full-thickness degenerative supraspinatus tears. Group 1 included 61 patients under the age of 50 years while Group 2 included 45 patients over the age of 70 years. The mean critical shoulder angle, acromial index, and lateral acromial angle were then compared. Results There was no significant difference between groups for the critical shoulder angle (p = .433), acromial index (p = .881) or lateral acromial angle (p = .263). Interobserver reliability for critical shoulder angle, acromial index, and lateral acromial angle was nearly perfect (interclass correlation coefficient 0.996, 0.996, 0.998, respectively). No significant correlation existed between age and critical shoulder angle (p = .309), acromial index (p = .484) or lateral acromial angle (p = .685). Discussion While the critical shoulder angle and acromial index were found to be high and in the typical range for patients with rotator cuff tears in both groups, there were no significant differences in acromial morphology between Groups 1 and 2.

Surgical repair of the supraspinatus: pre- and postoperative architectural changes in the muscle.

Shortening of the tendon and muscle is recognised as a strong predictor of surgical failure of supraspinatus tendon tears. Changes in muscle architecture following repair have not been thoroughly investigated. Hence, we aimed to compare the pre- and postoperative architecture of the supraspinatus. We recruited eight participants with full-thickness supraspinatus tears. Images of the supraspinatus were captured preoperatively (pre-op) and postoperatively at one month (post-op1), three months (post-op2) and six months (post-op3) in relaxed and contracted states (0º and 60º glenohumeral abduction). Fibre bundle length (FBL), pennation angle (PA) and muscle thickness were quantified. Self-reported function, and maximal isometric abduction and external rotation strengths were assessed. The mean FBL increased from pre-op to post-op1 (p = 0.001) in the relaxed state and from pre-op to post-op2 (p = 0.002) in the contracted state. Decrease in FBL was observed from post-op2 to post-op3 in the relaxed state. The mean PA decreased from pre-op to post-op1 (p < 0.001) in the relaxed state, but increased from post-op2 to post-op3 in both relaxed (p = 0.006) and contracted (p = 0.004) states. At post-op3, external rotation (p = 0.009) and abduction (p = 0.005) strengths were greater than at post-op2. Overall function increased by 47.67% from pre-op to post-op3. Lengthening of the supraspinatus occurs with surgery, altering the length-tension relationship of the muscle, which can compromise muscle function and lead to inferior surgical outcomes. These findings may guide clinicians to optimise loads, velocities and shoulder ranges for effective postoperative rehabilitation.

Advantages of 3–dimensional Measurements for Supraspinatus Intramuscular Fatty Evaluation in Patients With Medium to Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: Comparison With a Single Sagittal Slice

Background: Fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff muscles is highly related to poor outcomes after rotator cuff tears. Fat fraction (FF) based on traditional 2–dimensional measurements (2D-FF) from a single sagittal Y-view slice cannot determine intramuscular FF in the rotator cuff muscles; the newly developed 3–dimensional method (3D-FF) is supposed to precede 2D measurements for intramuscular FF evaluation in accuracy and reliability. Purpose: (1) To measure 3D-FF and (2) to compare 3D-FF and 2D-FF in terms of quantitative values and intra- and interobserver agreement. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Six-point Dixon magnetic resonance imaging was performed in patients with full–thickness supraspinatus tears. 2D-FF was calculated on a single sagittal Y-view. Semiautomatic segmentation software (ITK-SNAP) was used to reconstruct 3D volumes of the supraspinatus muscle and fat. 3D-FF was obtained by dividing the fat volume by the total volume of the supraspinatus muscle. A paired t test was used to compare the individual differences between 2D-FF and 3D-FF results. Linear regression and Bland-Altman analyses were performed to determine the agreement between 2D-FF and 3D-FF. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to determine intra- and interobserver agreement. Results: The 3D muscular and fatty models presented an inhomogeneous distribution of intramuscular fat in the supraspinatus, indicating the superiority of 3D-FF over 2D-FF in capturing all muscle morphologic information. 2D-FF was significantly higher than 3D-FF in the supraspinatus with large (19.5% ± 5.9% vs 16.2% ± 3.7%; P = .002) and massive (34.8% ± 13.3% vs 26.2% ± 9.4%; P < .001) rotator cuff tears. 2D-FF overestimated the FF compared with 3D-FF by >50% in 14.7% of all patients and by >15% in 67.6% of patients with large or massive RCTs. The discrepancy between 2D-FF and 3D-FF increased with increasing mean FF. The intra- and interobserver agreement of 3D-FF (ICCs, 0.89-0.99 and 0.89-0.95) was superior to that of 2D-FF (ICCs, 0.71-0.95 and 0.64-0.79). Conclusion: 3D-FF indicated an inhomogeneous distribution of intramuscular fat by capturing all muscle and fat morphologic information. In patients with large and massive rotator cuff tears, 2D-FF of the supraspinatus was significantly higher than 3D-FF. 3D-FF was more reliable than 2D-FF for estimating fatty infiltration in the supraspinatus, with better intra- and interobserver agreement.

Differentiation Ability of Tendon-Derived Stem Cells and Histological Characteristics of Rotator Cuff Remnant on the Greater Tuberosity Degenerated With Age and Chronicity

To explore and measure the presence and activity of tendon-derived stem cells (TDSCs), as well as histological changes of rotator cuff remnant by age and chronicity of the rotator cuff tear (RCT). 154 patients with a full-thickness tear of supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus tendon were included. 52 qualified remnants of the greater tuberosity were captured through arthroscopy. TDSCs in the remnants were isolated for proliferation ability, basal gene expression, and trilineage differentiation detection. Histological characteristics were evaluated by observation of staining under a light microscope and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). To observe the effect of age, samples were divided into two groups: young (＜60 years old) and old (≥60 years old). For chronicity comparison, samples were divided into three groups: acute group (＜3 months), intermediate group (3-12 months), and chronic group (≥12 months). Between age groups, the remnants in older patients were found to have lower TDSC proliferation ability (cell counting kit-8 results, old: .5325 ± .050, young: .6623 ± .196; P= .008) and basal expression of aggrecan (.630 ± .239; P= .002) and TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-β1, .589 ± .326, P= .008), weaker ability of chondrogenic differentiation. Furthermore, the remnant tendons in chronic group was found to have weaker adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation ability of TDSCs, lower tendon degenerative score (acute: 3.57 ± 1.902, intermediate: 5.94 ± 2.313, chronic: 6.86 ± 2.193; P= .023), increased type III collagen region ratio in insertion area (acute: 86.10% ± 8.29%, intermediate: 94.06% ± 5.36%, chronic: 98.90% ± .49%; P= .023), and larger fibril diameters. Differentiation ability of TDSCs derived from the rotator cuff remnant was reduced with age and chronicity. Histological degeneration of remnant tendon deteriorated with chronicity. Remnant in the greater tuberosity was still alive, but those in young or acute injury patients were more active after full-thickness RCT. TDSCs exist in rotator cuff remnant on the greater tuberosity and have multilineage differentiation ability. But the remnant degenerated with age and chronicity.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonography for Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background:With recent improvements in transducer strength, image resolution, and operator training, ultrasound (US) provides an excellent alternative imaging modality for the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears.Purpose:To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of US for partial- and full-thickness rotator cuff tears and biceps tendon tears, compare diagnostic values with those of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using arthroscopy as the reference standard, assess longitudinal improvements in accuracy, and compare diagnostic values from operators with different training backgrounds.Study Design:Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:The PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for full-text journal articles published between January 1, 2010, and April 1, 2020. The inclusion criteria were studies that evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of US for rotator cuff tears or biceps tendon tears utilizing arthroscopy as the reference standard. The exclusion criteria were studies with <10 patients, studies including massive tears without reporting diagnostic data for specific tendons, and studies lacking diagnostic outcome data. Extracted outcomes included diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value. The mean difference and 95% confidence interval were calculated for both US and MRI diagnostic values, and meta-analysis was conducted using the Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model.Results:In total, 23 eligible studies involving 2054 shoulders were included. US demonstrated a higher median diagnostic accuracy for supraspinatus tendon tears (0.83) and biceps tendon tears (0.93) as compared with subscapularis tendon tears (0.76). US was found to have a higher median accuracy (0.93) for full-thickness supraspinatus tears than partial-thickness tears (0.81). US had superior median sensitivity for partial-thickness supraspinatus tears when performed by radiologists as opposed to surgeons (0.86 vs 0.57). Meta-analysis of the 5 studies comparing US and MRI demonstrated no statistically significant difference in diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, or accuracy for any thickness supraspinatus tears (P = .31-.55), full-thickness tears (P = .63-.97), or partial-thickness tears (P = .13-.81).Conclusion:For experienced operators, US is a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic modality for the diagnosis of supraspinatus tears and demonstrates statistically equivalent capability to MRI in the diagnosis of both full- and partial-thickness rotator cuff tears.

Correlation between full-thickness degenerative supraspinatus tear and radiographic parameters including the acromiohumeral centre edge angle and the greater tuberosity angle

BackgroundMany radiographic parameters associated with the extrinsic cause of supraspinatus tears have been proposed. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between a full-thickness degenerative supraspinatus tear (FTDST) and the patient’s radiographic parameters, including the acromiohumeral centre edge angle (ACEA) and the greater tuberosity angle (GTA).MethodsA retrospective study was conducted. We included 116 patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopic surgery at our institute. The case group included FTDST patients, whereas the control group also included patients without evidence of supraspinatus tears. In each patient, the ACEA and GTA values were measured and analyzed by two independent observers. Intra- and interobserver reliabilities were assessed. Multivariate regression analysis was performed.ResultsThe ACEA values were significantly increased in the FTDST group with a mean of 26.44° ± 9.83° compared with 16.81° ± 7.72° in the control group (P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis also showed that higher ACEA values were associated with an FTDST (odds ratio 1.16 per degree, P = 0.01). For GTA values, a statistically significant difference was found with a mean of 70.92° ± 6.64 compared with 67.84° ± 5.56 in the control group (P = 0.02). However, stepwise regression analysis did not indicate that GTA was a predictor of FTDST.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that the presence of increased ACEA values is an independent significant risk factor for the presence of FTDSTs. Consequently, GTA values may be less helpful in assessing the risk of FTDST, especially in this specific population.

Diagnostic Ultrasound Shows Reversal of Supraspinatus Muscle Atrophy Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Prospective study to assess ultrasonography (US) utility as an imaging tool for supraspinatus muscle atrophy diagnosis, establishing if there is any relationship between repairing supraspinatus tears and its eventual muscular recovery. Observational study. adults with a full-thickness reparable supraspinatus tear confirmed arthroscopically. Clinical and imaging data pre- and postoperatively with 12 months of follow-up were recorded, including demographic data, Constant scale, Patte classification, repair type, and supraspinatus muscle belly US images in both shoulders, recording height, diameter, echogenicity (mean number of pixels between 0-black and 255-white), and central tendon pennate angle (PA). In total, 110 supraspinatus tears underwent arthroscopic repair (2015-2018). Mean age was 61 ± 8 years (46-77). We detected a correlation between atrophy and age in terms of echogenicity and PA (P= .01). Echogenicity improved from 54.5 to 51.0 (P= .365) and slightly deteriorated on the contralateral side from 51.6 to 52.9 (P= .351). Supraspinatus echogenicity compared to trapezius muscle reduced from 0.43 to 0.36 (P < .001). PA augmented from 5.8 to 8.6 (P < .001). Mean PA on the contralateral side was 8.6 preoperatively. Patte II cases showed the most significant improvement in terms of imaging evaluation of atrophy. Although Patte III cases almost did not improve in terms of atrophy, they improved clinically. We observed improvement after surgery in Constant score from 35 to 85 (P < .001). Minimal clinically important differences for Constant and visual analog scale were 44.45 ± 12.87 and 6.54 ± 1.41, respectively. Recurrence of symptoms was 13%, related to worse results of PA and echogenicity compared to nonrecurrences. Supraspinatus atrophic muscle changes after repair can be reversed. It can be quantified using US imaging (histogram, histogram ratio and echogenicity reduction, pennate pattern, and PA augmentation). Patte II cases showed the best results after repair, demonstrated by US. The faster the repair, the better the results without being influenced by repair type. The bigger the tear and retraction, the more echogenicity and less PA, with worse clinical and US results. Level III, prospective therapeutic study.

Repair of high-grade partial thickness supraspinatus tears after surgical completion of the tear have a lower retear rate when compared to full-thickness tear repair.

High-grade partial thickness rotator cuff tears (i.e., those involving at least 50% of the tendon thickness) are especially challenging to treat and various treatment strategies have been described. Prior studies have demonstrated equivalent outcomes between in situ tear fixation and tear completion repair techniques. However, it is unknown how repair of completed high-grade partial thickness tears to full tears compares to repair of full-thickness tears. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcome measures at least 1year postoperatively between patients who had completion of a high-grade partial thickness supraspinatus tear to a full-thickness tear (PT) and those who had an isolated full-thickness supraspinatus tear (FT). The hypothesis of this study was equivalent retear rates as well as equivalent clinical and patient-reported outcomes between the two groups. A retrospective review of 100 patients who underwent isolated arthroscopic supraspinatus repair between 2013 and 2018 with a minimum of 1year follow-up was performed. Patients were separated into two groups based on their treatment: 56 had completion of a partial thickness supraspinatus tear to full-thickness tear with repair (PT) and 44 had isolated full-thickness supraspinatus repairs (FT). The primary outcome was rotator cuff retear, which was defined as a supraspinatus retear requiring revision repair. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcome measures (PROs) including visual analog pain scale (VAS) and subjective shoulder value (SSV), range of motion (ROM) and strength in forward flexion (FF), external rotation (ER), and internal rotation (IR). There was a significantly lower rate of retear between the PT versus FT groups (3.6% vs. 16.3%, p=0.040). There were no significant differences between groups for all PROs, all ROM parameters, and all strength parameters (all n.s.). The data from this study demonstrated that the PT group had a significantly lower retear rate at 1year follow-up than the FT group, while PROs, ROM, and strength were similar between the two groups. Patients with PT supraspinatus tears can have excellent outcomes, equivalent to FT tears, after completion of the tear, and subsequent repair with low retear rates. These findings may aid the treating surgeon when choosing between in situ fixation of the PT supraspinatus tear or completion of the tear and subsequent repair, as it allows the treating surgeon to choose the procedure based on comfort and experience level. Level III.

Physical Therapist Identification of an Undetected Rotator Cuff Tear via a Telehealth Evaluation: A Case Report

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to explore alternative methods of health care delivery, including telehealth. Minimal evidence is available regarding telehealth as a diagnostic tool for suspected orthopaedic pathology. Case Presentation A self-referred 66-year-old man presented with left shoulder pain that had been present for 6 weeks. Mechanism of injury included 2 falls 2 weeks apart. His physician diagnosed him with adhesive capsulitis and referred him to a physical therapist near his home. No imaging studies were performed. Initial management did not improve his status, so the patient requested a second opinion. A telehealth evaluation was chosen, as he resides 220 miles away. Live 2-way video conferencing was utilized throughout the evaluation. Visual motion observation noted marked active, but not passive, limitations. Pain in active external rotation was 8/10. Special testing noted positive drop arm test and impairments in external rotation. Outcome and Follow-Up A rotator cuff tear was suspected and the patient was referred for a surgical consultation, with subsequent surgery completed for a full-thickness supraspinatus tear. During follow-up 3 months after surgery, the patient reported that the telehealth visits were very convenient and more effective than prior management. Discussion A telehealth evaluation performed by a physical therapist was able to identify and manage, via referral, an undetected full-thickness rotator cuff tear. JOSPT Cases 2021;1(1):29–33. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2021.9990

Ultrasonography as diagnostic tool in rotator cuff injuries of shoulder

Introduction: Rotator Cuff injuries are quite common in adults with or without trauma. These are suspected on clinical history and examination and commonly confirmed by Ultrasonography and MRI of shoulder. This study aims to use Ultrasonography of shoulder as the main diagnostic tool for such injuries. Material and Methods: A total of 30 patients suspected to have complete or incomplete tear of Rotator Cuff were subjected to Clinical Examination of Shoulder including specific tests for Rotator Cuff Muscles, X-ray and Ultrasonography of shoulder. Diagnosis by clinical examination and Ultrasonography was compared. Observation and Results: Out of 30 cases studied, on clinical examination, 10 cases had complete tear of supraspinatus, 19 cases had incomplete tear of supraspinatus with or without subscapularis, and 1 case had isolated subscapularis tear. Ultrasonography noted full thickness tear of supraspinatus in 8 cases, incomplete tear of supraspinatus with or without subscapularis, in 20 cases, bicipital tendinitis in 01 case and subacromial subdeltoid bursitis in 01 case. Conclusion: Ultrasonography confirms the clinical diagnosis of rotator cuff tear with satisfactory sensitivity and specificity. It can be used as a first line diagnostic tool for diagnosis of Rotator cuff tear as it confirms the clinical suspicion and its results are comparable to MRI. Keywords: Rotator Cuff tear, Ultrasonogprahy, Shoulder.

Surgical rotator cuff muscle biopsies: are they representative of overall muscle quality?

Current research on human rotator cuff pathology relies on superficial biopsy specimens. It is unclear whether these biopsies are representative of overall muscle quality. The purpose of this study is to use magnetic resonance imaging with iterative decomposition of echoes of asymmetric length sequencing to investigate variability of fatty infiltration within the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscle. We retrospectively identified 45 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with preoperative iterative decomposition of echoes of asymmetric length imaging completed. The supraspinatus and infraspinatus were segmented on 4 consecutive slices, including the scapular Y, 2 slices medial, and 1 slice lateral. Intramuscular fat was measured in multiple regions for both supraspinatus (whole muscle, anterior, posterior, superficial band, anterior band, and posterior band) and infraspinatus (whole muscle, superior, inferior, superficial band, superior band, and inferior band). Comparisons of intramuscular fat were determined with Wilcoxon sign-rank tests. Analysis of variance was used to compare between the 4 consecutive slices. Significance was defined as P < .05. Magnetic resonance imaging showed 31 full-thickness supraspinatus tears, 10 partial-thickness supraspinatus tears, and 4 intact supraspinatus tendons and 3 full-thickness infraspinatus tears, 2 partial-thickness infraspinatus tears, and 40 intact infraspinatus tendons. The anterior supraspinatus contained significantly higher fat content than the posterior supraspinatus (7.4% ± 7.4% vs. 5.4% ± 5.7%, P = .003). The superior and inferior halves of the infraspinatus were not different from each other (P = .11). The superficial band did not differ from the whole muscle in both supraspinatus (P = .14) and infraspinatus (P = .20). However, the anterior band of the supraspinatus had significantly more fat than the posterior band (8.2% ± 9.3% vs. 5.0% ± 5.7%, respectively, P < .0001), and the superior band of the infraspinatus had significantly more fat than the inferior band (5.2% ± 4.8% vs. 4.2% ± 5.3%, respectively, P = .03). There was no difference between all 4 medial and lateral slices in the supraspinatus (P = .92) and infraspinatus (P = .90). Fat fractions within the supraspinatus and infraspinatus demonstrate significant spatial variability that may influence interpretation of local biopsy samples. Future biopsy studies may benefit from multiple samples between different specific locations.

Supraspinatus repair and biceps tenodesis in competitive CrossFit athletes allow for a 100% of return to sport.

The shoulder is the most commonly injured body part in CrossFit training. The aim of this study is to report the clinical and MRI results of an arthroscopic repair of supraspinatus tear associated with SLAP lesion in competitive CrossFit athletes. Competitive CrossFit athletes affected by a full-thickness supraspinatus tear associated with SLAP lesion secondary to training injury were prospectively enrolled in the study. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed with MRI (> 1.5T). Functional evaluation was done using the Constant Score (CS) and ASES score (ASES). All lesions were treated with single-row repair and biceps tenodesis. Minimum follow-up (clinical, MRI) was 24months. Nineteen patients were available at the final follow-up. The average age was 43-year-old (range 28-52, SD 8), 12 were males and 7 females. Pre-operative CS and ASES were 67 (range 61-77, SD 7) and 71 (range 62-79, SD 5), respectively. At the 24-month follow-up, 19/19 athletes resumed intensive training and 17/19 returned to competitions. CS and ASES rose to 90 (p = 0.039) and 93 (p = 0.04), respectively. At the final follow-up, MRI indicated complete healing of the tendon in 15 (79%) cases and 4 (21%) cases with type II Sugaya repair integrity. Two of the patients of the latter group did not return to their usual training level and showed type II (Kibler) scapular dyskinesis. Arthroscopic repair of the supraspinatus tendon associated with biceps tenodesis led to a 100% of return-to-CrossFit training and 90% rate of individuals resuming competitions at 24months of follow-up. MRI showed 15 (79%) cases of complete healing and 4 (21%) cases with type II Sugaya repair integrity; biceps tenodesis clinically failed only in 1 case and the athlete complained of a decrease in the competitions scores and opted to discontinue CrossFit competitions. IV.

Good outcome after repair of trauma-related anterosuperior rotator cuff tears—a prospective cohort study

Anterosuperior rotator cuff tears with a displaced long head of the biceps tendon are most often trauma-related, and patients with these conditions often present with severe pain and shoulder dysfunction. Repair of the subscapularis and supraspinatus and a biceps tenodesis or a tenotomy are the recommended treatments based on retrospective studies. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate clinical and structural treatment outcome in a cohort of trauma-related anterosuperior injuries in patients with previously healthy shoulders. Patients seeking care for a suspected rotator cuff injury after shoulder trauma were screened according to a protocol including clinical examination, baseline scoring with Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) and numeric rating scale of pain, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Those with anterosuperior injuries were offered surgical treatment, structured postoperative physiotherapy, and inclusion in the present study with 1-year follow-up, including MRI, baseline scores, Constant-Murley score, and Patient Global Impression of Change. Thirty-three patients (78% men) with a mean age of 59 (40-76) years were included. All patients had a biceps pulley lesion, a displaced biceps tendon, and incomplete full-thickness subscapularis and supraspinatus tears. Six patients declined surgery. At follow-up, the operated patients reached a median WORC score of 86% and a median change from baseline to follow-up of 50% (P = .0001). Pain decreased (P = .0001) at rest, at night, and during activity. The median Constant-Murley score was 86% of the contralateral nonoperated shoulder, 58% of the contralateral abduction strength recovered after surgery, and 86% reported that they were recovered or much improved. All repairs and tenodeses healed except for 2 supraspinatus tendons. The 6 nonoperated patients reached a median WORC score of 90, a change in the median value from baseline to follow-up of 31, but reported more pain, and a smaller proportion considered themselves as recovered or much improved. In all patients, the 1-year MRIs had signal changes in the upper muscular portion of subscapularis, consistent with fatty infiltration, regardless of operative or nonoperative treatment. Anterosuperior rotator cuff injury with an associated pulley lesion and displaced long head of the biceps tendon may be treated successfully with surgery as the majority of patients in our cohort clinically recovered or were much improved without pain after a year. With a 1-year perspective, nonoperatively treated patients may also reach a reasonable clinical outcome. Independently of treatment or tendon healing, residual subscapularis muscle injury was seen, which may have long-term implications.

Prospective study of tendon healing and functional gain after arthroscopic repair of isolated supraspinatus tear

IntroductionIn case of failure of non-operative treatment of isolated supraspinatus tear, tendon surgery can improve shoulder function and alleviate pain. The present study hypothesis was that isolated supraspinatus repair shows good healing, with improved clinical results. Materials and methodsA prospective multicentre study followed up 199 patients (mean age, 57 years) for one year. Inclusion criteria comprised: isolated full-thickness supraspinatus tear, retraction grade<3, with the same double-row arthroscopic technique. Clinical assessment used Constant score at 6 weeks and 3, 6 and 12 months. Ultrasound control checked tendon repair quality on the Sugaya criteria, types I-II-III being considered as healed. ResultsAt one year, mean Constant score had increased by 26 points (p<0.001). Healing rate was 94% (n=187): Sugaya type I, 46% (n=92); type II, 41% (n=81); type III, 7% (n=14). Mean Constant score was significantly higher in case of healing: 81 vs. 70 points (p=0.002). Constant score progression was identical in both healing groups throughout follow-up. Univariate analysis showed no correlation between epidemiological or tear-related factors and tendon healing. ConclusionArthroscopic repair of isolated small supraspinatus tear provided 94% healing. Clinical results were better when healing was achieved. Level of evidenceI, prospective cohort study.

Development of supraspinatus imaging guidance for primary care physicians with a focus on patient selection

BackgroundPrimary care physicians frequently encounter patients with supraspinatus pathology and face a difficult task of managing this subset of patients using limited imaging resources. The purpose of this study was to develop a guidance that could help primary care physicians choose appropriate imaging tests judiciously for patients with suspected supraspinatus pathology.MethodsThe imaging reports of one hundred patients who underwent ultrasound and MRI for suspected supraspinatus tendinopathy were retrospectively assessed. The supraspinatus tendon was recorded as intact, partial tear (articular or bursal), or full-thickness tear (focal or complete width). The agreement between imaging modalities was then evaluated using factors such as pathology type and age.ResultsThere was agreement between modalities in 48/100 patients (Kappa statistic = 0.30). The consistency varied with type of pathology: intact tendons by ultrasound had 55.8% agreement with MRI, partial sided bursal tears 50%, partial sided articular tears 25%, and full-thickness focal tears 33.3%. Full-thickness complete-width tears had a much better agreement with MRI at 90.9%. Age was also significant, with increased disagreement between ultrasound and MRI in patients over 50 years old.ConclusionsOur data showed that ultrasound findings correlated well with MRI in patients under 50 years of age and also in patients with full-thickness supraspinatus tears. We recommend that primary care physicians may consider using ultrasound as the initial test in younger patients and in patients with suspected full supraspinatus tears, based on clinical exam, with MRI as an option for further evaluation to quantify supraspinatus muscle atrophy. These patient selection recommendations will help promote mindful utilization of scarce resources.

Regeneration of Full-Thickness Supraspinatus Rotator Cuff Tendon Tear after Treatment with Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Rotator cuff tear (RCT) is primarily a disease of middle-aged and older patients. Observational data estimated linear increment in the frequency of RCT over time due to the degenerative process. However, a good proportion of tears in older patients are asymptomatic and do not require any intervention. Sport and non-sport Injuries can contribute to RCTs. Many RCTs can be treated non-surgically with anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, and physical therapy for symptomatic relief and to restore shoulder strength and function. Rotator cuff tendon tears have limited ability to heal on their own and most often surgical repair is recommended in people failing non-operative therapy. The recovery time after surgery can be a lengthy process. There are no conclusive data to support the routine use of biologic therapy like mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of symptomatic RCTs. Herein we report a full-thickness supraspinatus tear (SST) in an elderly patient’s shoulder following three injuries. The tear was confirmed by ultrasound scan (USS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with SST of 9 mm in length and 13 mm in width which was unresponsive to anti-inflammatory medicines, rehabilitation and steroid injections. The subject, however, did have a definitive clinical and radiological response to a single therapeutic injection using autologous adipose tissue-derived MSCs combined with PRP, the injections were performed by ultrasound guidance into the subacromial bursa, supraspinatus tendon and tendon insertion respectively. After five months an USS showed some healing of the SST. Eight months post-MSC therapy the subject had significant improvement in symptoms, and dramatic improvement of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score from baseline of 88.3 prior to the therapy to 16.3 at the final visit. Follow-up MRI scan revealed complete healing of the SST indicating the possible successful outcome of MSC therapy as an alternative non-surgical treatment.

Long-term follow-up of patients with a high critical shoulder angle and acromion index: is there an increased retear risk after arthroscopic supraspinatus tendon repair?

BackgroundThe effect of the acromion index (AI) and critical shoulder angle (CSA) on the short-term healing rate after arthroscopic repair of the supraspinatus tendons is already known. Long-term effects have not been published yet.PurposeLong-term evaluation of the effect of the AI and CSA on the postoperative healing rate and clinical results after arthroscopic repair of the supraspinatus tendon.MethodsPatients with a symptomatic, single-tendon, full-thickness supraspinatus tear in whom nonoperative management had failed were treated with an arthroscopic repair. Preoperative radiographs were used to measure CSA and AI. Eight years postoperatively, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were performed and evaluated on repair integrity. Patient-reported outcome measurements were collected pre- and postoperatively.ResultsThirty-one patients were evaluated 8 years postoperatively. The mean age at the time of surgery was 61 ± 9 years. MRI evaluation showed that 20 patients (65%) had an intact repair and 11 (35%) had a full-thickness retear. No significant differences were found between the intact and retear groups regarding age (P = .605), initial tear size (P = .485), retraction grade (P = .439), and all PROMs. The mean CSA for the intact group (33° ± 1°) was significantly lower than the CSA in the retear group (38° ± 1°; P = .004). Eighteen patients (58%) had a CSA ≥35°, and 9 (50%) among them had a retear and 9 (50%) had an intact repair.The mean AI for the intact group (0.72 ± 0.11) was significantly lower than the AI in the retear group (0.81 ± 0.08 ; P = .021). Seventeen patients (55%) had an AI ≥0.75, and 9 (53%) among them had a retear and 8 had an intact repair. If the AI was ≥0.75, the odds ratio of having a retear was 6.19 (P = .045). No progressive worsening of PROMs and clinical results could be demonstrated related to a higher CSA or AI during the entire follow-up.ConclusionAt long-term follow-up, a higher CSA has the tendency to have an increased rate of retear after arthroscopic supraspinatus tendon repair, but this was not significant. A higher AI significantly increased the retear risk. A higher CSA and AI did not impair the clinical results over time. An AI ≥0.75 was associated with a 6-fold increase in risk of retear after arthroscopic supraspinatus tendon repair.