Partial Rotator Cuff Repair Research Articles

Reduced retear rates yet similar clinical outcomes following arthroscopic partial repair of large and massive irreparable rotator cuff tears with biceps augmentation compared to repairs without biceps augmentation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To compare the clinical outcomes between arthroscopic partial rotator cuff repair with biceps augmentation(BA) and partial repair (PR) without BA. This systematic review included studies comparing outcomes of arthroscopic repair for large to massive irreparable rotator cuff tears with and without the BA. The focus was on postoperative clinical results and retear rates. Mean differences were used to express continuous outcomes, while odds ratios (ORs) were employed for dichotomous outcomes. Ten studies (733 shoulders, all level 3 evidence) were included. The BA group showed a significant reduction in retear rates (OR = 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.20-0.77, P = 0.007) and comparable postoperative outcomes across various measures: American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, visual analogue scale for pain, University of California-Los Angeles shoulder score, active forward flexion motionand active external rotation at the arm-at-side position compared to the PR group. Subgroup analysis of two BA techniques-rerouting and supplementation following supraglenoid tenotomy-showed no significant differences in ASES score for either technique versus PR. However, rerouting significantly lowered retear rates (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.12-0.36, p < 0.001), while supplementation showed similar retear rates to PR (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.37-2.02, n.s.). Arthroscopic partial rotator cuff repair with BA for large to massive irreparable rotator cuff tears is a reliable technique, resulting in improved postoperative outcomes. BA using supplementation following supraglenoid tenotomy showed similar clinical outcomes and range of motion but with lower retear rates compared to the PR group. Level III.

Treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears by different surgical technigues: comparative analysis of early outcomes

Background. Massive rotator cuff tears are up to 40% and can progress to the stage of irreparable ones. Nowadays, there are many treatment options available for irreparable rotator cuff injuries, from conservative treatment and arthroscopic reconstructions to reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Currently, the comparative effectiveness of various treatment methods remains uncertain, and therefore there is no clear algorithm for choosing treatment tactics of such orthopedic shoulder pathologies. The aim of the study is to compare short-term treatment outcomes of patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears using arthroscopic partial rotator cuff repair, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer, pectoralis major tendon transfer and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Methods. The study enrolled 75 patients who underwent the following types of surgical interventions: partial arthroscopic repair, posterior and anterior arthroscopically assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer, pectoralis major tendon transfer and reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Treatment results were assessed using measurements of the range of active movements in the shoulder joint, the ASES and Constant-Murley Score (CMS) questionnaires, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), assessment of radiographs and MRI. The assessments were performed preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results. In all groups, there was a statistically significant improvement by all indicators (p0.05). Clinical and functional results at the short-term follow-up after partial rotator cuff repair and various options of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer are largely comparable, while at the same time superior to the results of reverse shoulder arthroplasty and pectoralis major tendon transfer. Conclusions. The use of partial rotator cuff repair and musculotendinous transfers at the short-term follow-up gives comparable and better results in comparison with the use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty, which allows to consider “joint-preserving” interventions as an option in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.

Improved Clinical Outcomes After Partial Repair and In Situ Biceps Tenodesis for the Treatment of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

To present the short-term outcomes of arthroscopic in situ biceps tenodesis combined with partial rotator cuff repair in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCTs) and minimal arthritis. A retrospective review was conducted using prospectively maintained institutional databases to identify patients who had undergone a partial rotator cuff repair with in situ biceps tenodesis between March 2017 and December 2022. Patients were included if they (1) were diagnosed pre- or intraoperatively with MIRCT and (2) had complete preoperative and minimum 1-year postoperative patient-reported outcome measures. Thirty-nine patients met the eligibility criteria and were included for analysis. The mean age of the study participants was 65 ± 7 years (range, 46-76) with 76.9% (n= 30) being male. The average follow-up was 21 ± 12 months (range, 12-58). Patients experienced significant improvement in visual analog scale for pain (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and subjective assessment numeric evaluation (SANE) score (P < .001 for all comparisons). The pre- to postoperative improvement was 3.1 ± 2.3 for VAS, 27.5 ± 20.6 for ASES, and 31.3 ± 24.8 for SANE. Postoperatively, the average scores for VAS, ASES, and SANE were 1.3 ± 1.5, 79.5 ± 17.0, and 69.6 ± 20.1, respectively. Twenty-six patients (66.7%) achieved the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for VAS, 33 patients (84.6%) achieved the MCID for ASES, and 30 patients (76.9%) achieved the MCID for SANE. Partial rotator cuff repair with in situ biceps tenodesis is an effective treatment for MIRCT, leading to significant improvements in patient-reported outcome and range-of-motion measures compared to preoperative conditions. Level IV, retrospective case series.

Interposition Grafting Using Fascia Lata Autograft for Failed Rotator Cuff Repairs

Massive rotator cuff tears are a huge challenge for orthopaedic surgeons, as the patients may be in need of multiple operations, even including reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The various repair methods for the rotator cuff, such as partial rotator cuff repair, patch-augmented rotator cuff repair, bridging rotator cuff reconstruction with graft interposition, tendon transfer, and superior capsular reconstruction, have always been the focus of research. During surgical intervention for failed rotator cuff repairs, complexity of tears, poor tissue quality, retained hardware, and adhesions are the problems routinely encountered. In this Technical Note, we describe the technique of interposition grafting using fascia lata autograft to reconstruct the rotator cuff after failed primary repair.

Surgical treatment of massive rotator cuff tears (literature review)

The prevalence of rotator cuff tears according to the literature ranges from 20 % to 40 %, and this injury occurs more often in people over 60 years of age. Massive rotator cuff tears account for 10–40 % of all rotator cuff tears. Massive rotator cuff tears are considered to be tears with a diastasis of more than 5 cm or tears involving two or more tendons. With such injuries, the kinematics of the shoulder joint changes: proximal subluxation of the humeral head and arthropathy of the shoulder joint occur, which subsequently causes pseudoparalysis. The main clinical manifestations are pain and dysfunction of the shoulder joint. Patients may experience a loss of active range of motion in the shoulder joint while maintaining passive range of motion. There is currently no unified approach to the choosing the tactics for surgical treatment. The most common options include partial rotator cuff repair, subacromial balloon plasty, replacement of tendon defects with allografts and autografts, proximal shoulder joint capsule plasty, muscle-tendon transfers, and shoulder joint arthroplasty. However, according to the literature data, the frequency of re-ruptures after surgery ranges from 11 % to 94 %. Despite the large number of methods for the treatment of massive rotator cuff tears, there are no clear algorithms for managing patients and choosing one or another surgical tactics. In addition, there is a high percentage of unsatisfactory outcomes of treatment. Taking all of these factors into account, the problem of improving the treatment of patients with massive rotator cuff tears remains relevant and timely.

Massive rotator cuff tears: algorithmic approach to surgical treatment.

The management of massive rotator cuff tears (MRCT) presents a unique challenge to many orthopedic specialists. Unlike tears that are predicted to do well with primary, complete repair, MRCT are affected by tissue retraction, in-elasticity, bursal scarring, muscle atrophy, and fatty degeneration; operative repair thus portends worse healing rates than smaller tears and is associated with recurrent tear rates of up to 91% based on ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Rotator cuff tears are a common condition in patients over the age of 50. Thus, multiple advances in treatment strategies have been made to combat the limited efficacy of complete or partial rotator cuff repair in the setting of a massive or irreparable rotator cuff tears. It is of utmost importance that the operating orthopedic surgeon be familiar with these various treatment modalities to best serve the patient and that they harbor these skills within their armamentarium. This article details a review of the current literature including nonoperative and operative treatments for the management of massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears. The primary objective is to propose a literature-based algorithm for the treatment of massive and often irreparable rotator cuff tears to allow for informed ease in the decision-making process.

Biceps-based 3-layer reconstruction of the irreparable rotator cuff: a technical note on biceps tendon as a common local graft for in-situ superior capsular reconstruction, partial cuff repair, and middle trapezius tendon transfer

BackgroundFor irreparable rotator cuff tears, 3-layer tendon reconstruction (in which in-situ superior capsular reconstruction-reinforced partial rotator cuff repair was augmented with hamstring-sheet-lengthened middle trapezius tendon transfer) was recently reported to achieve satisfactory postoperative outcomes. To avoid hamstring graft-related drawbacks, the current note describes a technical modification of that reconstruct; wherein long head of biceps tendon is used as a cornerstone structure for simultaneously reconstructing the superior capsule; lengthening the transferred middle trapezius tendon; and augmenting the partially-repaired rotator cuff.MethodsVia sub-pectoral approach, long head of biceps tendon is distally-tenotomized. Through McKenzie approach, proximal stump of the tenotomized long head of biceps is retrieved to the sub-acromial space where double-row biceps tenodesis (into a trough at the greater tuberosity) is performed for reconstructing the superior capsule. Next, postero-superior rotator cuff is partially repaired, and side-to-side sutured to the reconstructed capsule. Through a 7–8-cm skin incision over the medial scapular spine, middle trapezius tendon is released. Portion of long head of biceps tendon distal to the tenodesis site is retrieved via a sub-trapezius/sub-acromial corridor to the scapular wound where it is re-attached to the released middle trapezius tendon.ResultsUse of long head of biceps tendon as a common local graft (for simultaneously reconstructing the superior capsule, lengthening the transferred middle trapezius tendon, and augmenting the partially-repaired rotator cuff) is technically feasible provided that the harvested tendon stump is at least 10 cm in length.ConclusionWhile avoiding hamstring graft-related complications, the currently-reported biceps-based 3-layer rotator cuff tendon reconstruction might offer the advantages of reproducibility, safety, simplicity and quickness; however, it should be validated via further studies.Trial registration The present study was approved by the Institutional Committee of Scientific Research and Ethics (3-2023Orth10-1).

Subacromial Balloon Spacer Versus Partial Rotator Cuff Repair in the Treatment of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Facility Personnel Allocation and Procedural Cost Analysis.

Background The subacromial balloon is a novel technology that has shown promise in managing a select patient population with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. The purpose of this study was to quantify the true facility cost difference between subacromial balloon placement (SBP) and partial rotator cuff repair (PCR). Methodology A prospective cohort of patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears randomized to SBP versus PCR between2015 and 2018 was retrospectively reviewed. Demographic variables, medical comorbidities, and range-of-motion (ROM) outcomes for all patients were recorded. True facility costs with respect to personnel were calculated using a time-driven activity based-costing (TDABC) algorithm and were classified into personnel costs and supply costs. Results Seven patients were treated with PCR compared to nine treated with SBP. No significant differences were observed with respect to demographic characteristics. Postoperative mean external rotation was 37° in SBP patients significantly higher than that of PCR patients at 8° (P= 0.023). Personnel time and cost differences while in the operating room (OR) were significantly less for the SBP ($605.58) compared to PCR ($1362.76) (P< 0.001). Implant costs were higher for SBP when compared to PCR, whereas disposable equipment costs were higher for PCR when compared to SBP. The total mean true facility cost was $7658.00 for SBP, significantly higher than that of PCR at $3429.00 (P< 0.001). Conclusions Despite the substantial reduction in personnel costs seen with SBP, the true facility cost of SBP was significantly higher than that of PCR. As this novel technology is used more ubiquitously and its price is negotiated down, the cost savings seen in personnel and OR time will become more significant. Future prospective cost analyses should follow up on the changes in implant costs and account for potential anesthesia cost savings.

Poster 196: Comparable Short and Mid-Term Clinical Outcomes between Subacromial Balloon Spacer Implantation and Partial Rotator Cuff Repair with Concomitant Biceps Tenotomy versus Tenodesis

Objectives: While short and mid-term clinical outcomes following implantation of an arthroscopic subacromial balloon spacer for massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCTs) have been favorable [1], little is known about the effects of concomitant procedures on clinical outcomes and early post- operative recovery. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of concomitant proximal biceps surgery on short and mid-term outcomes following partial rotator cuff repair or subacromial balloon spacer implantation using the InSpace? device (Stryker; Kalamazoo, MI; Figure 1). Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from a previously published randomized, clinical trial comparing the InSpace? device to partial rotator cuff repair in the management of symptomatic MIRCTs (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02493660) [1]. Study participants with posterosuperior MIRCTs (as defined by MRI diagnosis of ≥2 tendon involvement and ≥5 cm of retraction from the tendon insertion) treated operatively with subacromial balloon spacer implantation or partial rotator cuff repair and concomitant biceps tenotomy or tenodesis were considered for this study. The primary outcome in this study was the achievement of minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) for the American Shoulder and Elbow (ASES) score at 6 weeks and 24 months postoperatively. Established MCID and SCB thresholds from the literature were used, requiring a ≥11.1-point increase in ASES score for MCID achievement and a ≥17.5-point increase for SCB achievement [2]. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare MCID and SCB achievement rates between groups. Results: A total of 103 patients were included in this analysis, of which 48 patients were in the InSpace? cohort and 55 were in the partial rotator cuff repair cohort (Table 1). At 6 weeks post-operatively, a larger percentage of patients who received InSpace? with concomitant biceps tenotomy achieved MCID on ASES compared to those receiving a concomitant tenodesis, though this result was not statistically significant (64.3% vs 42.1%, p = 0.15) (Table 1). Similarly, a larger percentage of patients who underwent arthroscopic partial rotator cuff repair with biceps tenotomy achieved MCID on ASES compared to those undergoing partial repair with biceps tenodesis, though this was not statistically significant (56.3% vs 40.9%, p = 0.41). Similar trends were seen for SCB achievement rates at 6 weeks (Table 2). Notably, SCB achievement rates were significantly greater for patients undergoing InSpace? with biceps tenotomy versus partial repair with biceps tenodesis (p = 0.04). At 24 months, ASES MCID achievement rates for the InSpace? with biceps tenotomy group were similar to the InSpace? with biceps tenodesis group (96.2% vs 86.7%, p = 0.54) (Table 1). Similarly, there was no significant difference between the partial repair with concomitant tenodesis and tenotomy groups (100% vs 92.9%, p = 0.51). Similar trends were seen for SCB achievement rates at this time point (Table 2). Notably, there was no longer a significant difference in SCB achievement rates between the InSpace? with biceps tenotomy group and partial repair with biceps tenodesis group (p = 1.00). Conclusions: The primary goal of treatment during arthroscopic implantation of a subacromial balloon spacer is pain relief in the setting of relatively well-maintained function. Although all patients in this study received standardized post-operative rehabilitation, including 4-week sling use, our results suggest that providers seeking accelerated rehabilitation for their patients may consider concomitant biceps tenotomy for biceps pathology to avoid prolonged immobilization, decrease risk of stiffness, and provide earlier achievement of clinically significant outcomes on patient-reported outcome measures. [Table: see text][Table: see text]

Poster 367: Is Mental Health a Predictor of Worse One-Year PROMs in Arthroscopic Surgery: Prospective Cohort Study

Objectives: Mental health is a potential risk factor for worse patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) of pain, function, and quality of life across surgical disciplines. With poorer mental health being a risk factor for worse PROMs. In the orthopaedic literature, greater emphasis is being placed on understanding the role mental health has on postoperative outcomes. This has not, however, been extensively explored across all sports medicine arthroscopic surgeries. Furthermore, there is a paucity of data collected from cohorts that control for confounding variables with multivariate analysis. As such, we had the unique opportunity in the orthopaedic Outcome Measurement Evaluation system (OME) cohort to evaluate mental health (mental health composite (MCS) score in VR-12) in arthroscopic procedures of the hip, knee, and shoulder. We hypothesize that worse MCS scores (lower mental health) would be a predictor of worse PROMs in Rotator Cuff Repair, Shoulder Instability, Hip Arthroscopy, Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy, and ACLR. Methods: We performed an internal review of all prospective studies from the Orthopaedic Outcome Measurement Evaluation system (OME) prospective cohort where multivariate analysis for 1-year patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) was performed. OME is a cost-effective, scientifically valid, scalable electronic system for collecting PROMs and clinical information surrounding an episode of care. OME leverages the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) database for structured data storage and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance and augments it with additional functionality for multimodal communication with patients and surgeons. Mental health was evaluated with the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), which provides a Mental Component Summary (MCS) score. Selected PROMs (Tables 1 and 2) included those that assess pain and function as well as achievement of a patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS). Results: We identified 5 studies that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria (Table 1). Baseline MCS was found to be predictive of statistically significant improvements in 1-year pain and function PROMs for arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, hip arthroscopy, and rotator cuff repair (p&lt;0.05), but not for shoulder instability surgery (Table2). Baseline MCS was not found to be predictive of achievement of a PASS for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction see (Table 2). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that MCS is potentially modifiable risk factor for worse PROMs in several of the most common arthroscopic sports medicine procedures being performed. The potentially modifiable risk factor warrants further evaluation to improve outcomes of these common arthroscopic procedures. These could involve randomized control trials that aim to improve preoperative or immediately postoperative MCS in at-risk individuals to determine whether this can lead to a minimal clinically important difference in PROMs. [Table: see text][Table: see text]

Position statement: management of rotator cuff tears in adults.

We sought to compare success and re-tear rates of surgically treated full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff in men and women older than 18 years of age to develop a guideline intended for orthopedic surgeons and other health care providers who assess, counsel and care for these patients. We searched Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases through to Apr. 20, 2021, and included all English-language randomized trials comparing single-row versus double-row fixation via arthroscopic approaches; latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) versus partial rotator cuff repair, lower trapezius transfer (LTT), and superior capsular reconstruction (SCR); and early versus late arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for traumatic tears. We also considered observational studies comparing LDT with LTT and partial repair and studies comparing early versus late treatment of traumatic rotator cuff tears. Outcomes of interest were functional outcomes, pain outcomes, and re-tear rates associated with these interventions. We rated the quality of the evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. This guideline will benefit patients seeking surgical intervention of full thickness rotator cuff tears by improving counselling on surgical treatment options and outcomes. It will also benefit surgical providers by expanding their knowledge of various surgical approaches. Data presented could be used to develop frameworks and tools for shared decision-making.

Outcomes of Isolated Biceps Tenodesis/Tenotomy or Partial Rotator Cuff Repair Associated with Biceps Tenodesis/Tenotomy for Massive Irreparable Tears: A Systematic Review

MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were searched for studies on the treatment of MIRCT. We included studies with BT or PCR-BT with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The MINORS (Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies) score was used to assess study quality. Outcomes included were the visual analog scale for pain, functional scores such as Constant-Murley and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, range of motion, radiological measurements, and complications. A total of 1101 patients (506 had a BT and 595 had a PCR-BT) from 22 studies were included (cases series = 13, case-control = 7, randomized control trial = 1, prospective cohort study = 1). The mean MINORS score was 13.2 ± 3.2. The mean age and follow-up were 67 ± 6.8 years and 4.58 ± 1.1 years (range, 2, 12), respectively. The VAS improvement showed at the last follow-up for PCR-BT (range, 1.97, 5.8) and BT (range, 4, 6.1). CMS was improved at the final follow-up for PCR-BT (range, 13, 47.6) and BT (range, 10.8, 28). Regarding the ASES, it has demonstrated significant improvements for PCR-BT (range, 31.81, 44.8) and BT (range, 30,45.8). For forward flexion, PCR-BT showed improvement (range, -14°, 59.4°), as well as the BT group (range, 2°, 27.9°). This systematic review demonstrated that both BT and PCR-BT improve functional outcomes and reduce pain at midterm follow-up for MIRCT. Since we know that a failed cuff repair would worsen the shoulder, it might be beneficial in terms of the risk-benefit ratio to not repair in certain patients with MIRCT.

Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Which Patients Will Benefit from Physiotherapy Exercise Programs? A Narrative Review.

Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears can cause significant shoulder pain, disability and reduction in quality of life. Treatment approaches can be operative or non-operative. Operative approaches include reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, arthroscopic debridement, partial rotator cuff repair, subacromial balloon spacers, superior capsule reconstruction, and tendon transfer procedures. Non-operative approaches include physiotherapy exercise programs and corticosteroid injections. There are no randomized controlled trials comparing the different treatment approaches. It is therefore challenging for clinicians to advise patients on what is their best treatment pathway. Physiotherapy exercise programs are less expensive and have lower risks for patients than surgical approaches. However, the success of physiotherapy in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears is highly variable with published success rates of 32-96%. Several cohort studies have sought to identify if certain factors are predictive of success with physiotherapy. Several biomechanical factors were identified as possibly being related to a successful or unsuccessful outcome following physiotherapy, with complete tear of subscapularis demonstrating the strongest evidence. However, there were no appropriately designed prognostic studies. There has been a strong emphasis on biomechanical factors. Other domains such as psychosocial factors, which are important in similar patient populations, have not been explored. We recommend that further research is needed in this area and should include randomized controlled trials comparing treatment approaches and longitudinal prospective prognostic studies to identify predictors of treatment success.

Middle Trapezius Tendon Transfer for Augmentation of In Situ Superior Capsular Reconstruction-Reinforced Partial Rotator Cuff Repair: Short-term Outcomes of a Prospective Cohort Study.

Middle trapezius tendon (MTT) transfer has been described for dynamic reproduction of supraspinatus function. For management of irreparable rotator cuff (RC) tears, this procedure can be coupled with in situ (long head of the biceps tendon-based) superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) and partial RC repair. To investigate the functional outcomes of augmentation of in situ SCR-reinforced partial RC repair with MTT transfer for the management of irreparable posterosuperior RC tears. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Conducted between September 2014 and March 2022, this study included 24 patients with irreparable posterosuperior RC tears who were allocated into 2 groups: patients managed with 2-layer tendon construct (in situ SCR-reinforced partial RC repair) (group A; n = 15) and patients managed with 3-layer tendon construct (MTT transfer-augmented, in situ SCR-reinforced partial RC repair) (group B; n = 9). Outcome measures included 2-year postoperative pain, range of motion (ROM) in forward flexion and external rotation, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores. For data comparison, independent and paired t tests were used for parametric quantitative variables, and Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for nonparametric quantitative variables; Fisher exact and McNemar tests were used for qualitative variables. The mean age of the patients was 58.40 ± 4.54 years in group A and 59.22 ± 4.46 years in group B; there were no between-group differences in baseline patient characteristics. Patients in both groups had significant preoperative to postoperative improvement on all outcome measures (P < .05 for all). Group B had a significantly higher magnitude of postoperative improvement compared with group A in forward flexion ROM (88.88° ± 29.34° vs 46.66° ± 20.93°; P = .001), external rotation ROM (32.22° ± 14.81° vs 16.0° ± 9.10°; P = .002), ASES score (71.07 ± 8.26 vs 57.87 ± 8.39; P = .001), and QuickDASH score (-70.20 ± 6.95 vs -58.34 ± 12.52; P = .007). Augmentation of in situ SCR-reinforced partial RC repair with MTT transfer in a 3-layer tendon construct led to significantly greater improvement in postoperative ROM and functional scores compared with a 2-layer construct.

A comparison of partial repair with arthroscopic margin convergence suture and open superior capsular reconstruction in patients with massive rotator cuff tear

IntroductionMassive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) remain a controversial problem for clinicians. There are several recommendations in the literature, from various surgical techniques to the effectiveness of conservative treatment. In this study, we aimed to compare clinical outcomes and functional results of open superior capsular reconstruction for massive rotator cuff tear and arthroscopic partial rotator cuff repair with margin convergence.Material and methodsThis study included 40 patients with massive rotator cuff tears that could not be treated with arthroscopic partial repair with margin convergence or open superior capsular reconstruction. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the treatment method. Patient assignments for each group were not randomized. Group 1 consisted of 20 patients who underwent open superior capsular reconstruction, and Group 2 comprised 20 patients who underwent arthroscopic partial repair. UCLA (University of California Los Angeles), CS (Constant shoulder score) scores, and the visual analogue pain scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the patients.ResultsAt the time of the latest follow-up evaluation, both groups showed significant improvements in clinical outcomes (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05). There were no significant differences in the clinical outcomes between groups. The preoperative tear size was statistically significantly higher in the superior capsular reconstruction group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsOur results supported the benefits of arthroscopic and open surgical technique with similar clinical results in the treatment of massive rotator cuff tear. We think that arthroscopic partial repair may be preferred by surgeons because it is minimally invasive compared to open superior capsular reconstruction.

Accuracy of the rotator cuff reparability score.

The reparability of large or massive rotator cuff tears is difficult to determine pre-operatively. We previously identified age ≥ 65 years, acromiohumeral interval ≤ 6 mm, and anteroposterior tear size ≥ 22 mm as risk factors for rotator cuff repair failure. We therefore developed a rotator cuff reparability score where each of the above risk factors is assigned a score of one point. To determine the accuracy of a rotator cuff reparability score. This was a retrospective cohort study of recruited patients with large or massive rotator cuff tears treated at our institution between January 2013 and December 2019. Exclusion criteria were revision surgery and patients with contraindications for surgery. All patients underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and were categorized into either complete or partial rotator cuff repair. Rotator cuff reparability scores were calculated for each patient. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, and positive and negative likelihood ratio were assessed. A receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to determine the optimal cut-off rotator cuff reparability score. Eighty patients (mean age, 61 years; range, 25-84 years; 41 females and 39 males) were recruited. Intra- and inter-observer reliabilities were good to excellent. The number of patients with 0, 1, 2, and 3 risk factors for rotator cuff repair failure were 24, 33, 17, and 6, respectively. Complete repair was performed in all patients without risk factors. Two of the 33 patients with one risk factor and seven of the 17 patients with two risk factors underwent partial repair. One of the six patients with three risk factors underwent complete repair. The area under the curve was 0.894. The optimal cut-off score was two points with a sensitivity of 85.71% and a specificity of 83.33%. A rotator cuff reparability score of two was determined to be the optimal cut-off score for predicting the reparability of large or massive rotator cuff tears.

Irreparable Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: Subacromial Balloon Surgical Technique

Massive irreparable rotator cuff tears pose a significant challenge for both the treating orthopedic surgeon and patient. Surgical treatment options for massive rotator cuff tears include arthroscopic debridement, biceps tenotomy or tenodesis, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, partial rotator cuff repair, cuff augmentation, tendon transfers, superior capsular reconstruction, subacromial balloon spacer, and ultimately reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The present study will provide a brief overview of these treatment options along with a description of the surgical technique for subacromial balloon spacer placement.

Treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears without arthritis: a comparison of superior capsular reconstruction, partial rotator cuff repair, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundTo compare outcomes of superior capsular reconstruction (SCR), partial rotator cuff repair (PR), and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) for massive irreparable rotator cuff tear (MIRCT) without arthritis at more than 2 years follow-up. MethodsA retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of consecutive patients undergoing surgical treatment for intraoperatively confirmed MIRCT without arthritis using SCR, PR, or rTSA. Preoperative and postoperative data were collected and multivariate analysis performed. ResultsThirty two patients met inclusion criteria for SCR, 24 for PR, and 42 for rTSA (mean follow-up years: SCR 3.2; PR 4.0; rTSA 3.5; P = .02). The rTSA patients were older (66.2 years; SCR 57.3; PR 59.0; P = .0001) and more likely to be female (61.9%; SCR 12.5%; PR 25.0%; P < .001). Intraoperative evaluation demonstrated full thickness subscapularis tear in 37.5% for SCR, 4.2% for PR, and 21.4% for rTSA (P = .01). Pseudoparalysis was present in 18.8% of SCR, 0% of PR, and 14.3% of rTSA patients (P = .08). All groups saw postoperative improvement in strength and patient-reported outcomes (P < .036). SCR and rTSA demonstrated an improved forward elevation range of motion (ROM) postoperatively while PR did not (P = .96). No group experienced improvement in rotation ROM (P > .12). rTSA had worse postoperative ROM in all planes compared to SCR and PR (P < .003). There were no differences between groups in postoperative strength (P > .16) or patient-reported outcomes (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons P = .14; visual analog scale P = .86; single assessment numeric evaluation P = .61). Patients were satisfied in 81.2% of SCR cases, 87.5% of PR, and 95.3% of rTSA (P = .33). Three of 32 (9.4%) SCR patients required conversion to rTSA, while 3 of 24 (12.5%) PR patients required reoperation (2 revision repairs; 1 conversion to rTSA). There were 3 additional surgical complications among 42 rTSA patients (7.1%). There were 4 nonsurgical complications in the SCR group and 1 in the rTSA group. One SCR patient and 3 rTSA patients were deceased. Multivariate analysis demonstrated no independent predictors of revision surgery. An increased acromiohumeral interval distance was an independent predictor of improved postoperative strength for all groups (P < .02). ConclusionSCR, PR, and rTSA for the treatment of MIRCT without arthritis all significantly improved postoperative strength and outcomes scores with >80% patient satisfaction but with rTSA having worse postoperative motion and a higher complication rate. There were no independent predictors for revision surgery. SCR, PR and rTSA are all viable operations for MIRCT without arthritis with satisfactory results maintained at 2 years postoperatively.

Humeral head coverage in arthroscopic partial repair of massive rotator cuff tears improves functional outcomes: an analysis of influential factors.

Although partial rotator cuff repair has shown good outcomes, differences in clinical outcomes remain concerns. This study was performed to determine whether patients with humeral head coverage would show better functional outcomes than patients without humeral head coverage and to identify the factors for humeral head coverage after arthroscopic partial repair of massive tears. We performed a retrospective study of 63 patients with massive rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic partial repair between 2012 and 2018. Two to four margin convergences were first performed; then, the Mason-Allen technique was performed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those with humeral head coverage (38 cases) and those without humeral head coverage (25 cases). The following factors were evaluated: age; sex; hypertension; diabetes; osteoporosis; preoperative and postoperative pseudoparalysis, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, Constant score, acromiohumeral distance, and subacromial bony spur; and subscapularis tear and repair. Muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively, and the integrity of the repaired cuff was evaluated by ultrasonography at a minimum of 2 years after surgery. Compared with preoperative values, significant improvements in VAS pain scores (from 6.27 to 2.32 in patients with humeral head coverage and from 7.00 to 2.81 in those without humeral head coverage) and Constant scores (from 51.35 to 75.95 and from 44.62 to 69.81, respectively) were observed in both groups (P<.001). Statistical analysis revealed that postoperative VAS pain scores (2.32 vs. 2.81) and Constant scores (75.95 vs. 69.81) in patients with humeral head coverage were superior to those in patients without humeral head coverage (P=.044 and P=.003, respectively). The integrity of the repaired cuff was evaluated by ultrasonography, and partial tears were found in 4 of 37 patients with humeral head coverage and 2 of 26 patients without humeral head coverage (P=.816). Univariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (P<.001), comorbidity (P=.005), symptom duration (P=.023), preoperative shoulder mobility (P<.001), maintained acromiohumeral distance (P=.006), subscapularis tear (P=.026), and less preoperative supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscle atrophy (P=.001 and P=.010, respectively) had significant correlations with humeral head coverage. Overall satisfactory results were achieved in most patients regardless of high retear rates, but patients with partial repair covering the humeral head were associated with better outcomes than patients without humeral head coverage. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that age (<70 years, P=.003), capability of shoulder mobility (P=.005), maintenance of the acromiohumeral space (>7 mm, P=.016), and less atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles (P=.021) were favorable factors to achieve humeral head coverage during surgical partial repair of massive rotator cuff tears.

A Technique for a Suture-Based Cable Reconstruction of an Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tear

The management of irreparable rotator cuff tears remains challenging. In patients in whom a complete repair cannot be obtained, a partial repair remains an option. The goal of a partial rotator cuff repair is to obtain a stable glenohumeral joint fulcrum by restoring the rotator cable complex. Traditionally, partial repair has been performed with independent reattachment(s) of the rotator cable complex with or without margin convergence medially. This Technical Note describes an alternative approach to a partial rotator cuff repair with a suture-based cable reconstruction.