Transosseous Repair Research Articles

Operative Treatment of Acute Patellar Tendon Ruptures

Background: The gold standard for patellar tendon repair is a transosseous technique. Suture anchor repair has gained popularity, with recent biomechanical studies demonstrating significantly less gap formation during cyclic loading and significantly higher ultimate failure loads as compared with transosseous repair. These findings have not been substantiated in a large clinical cohort. Purpose: To report demographic and epidemiologic data, clinical and surgical findings, and outcomes and complications of anchor and transosseous suture repairs of acute patellar tendon ruptures. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: All patients who underwent a primary repair of a traumatic patellar tendon rupture within 45 days of injury between 2006 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Surgery was performed at a multisurgeon (120 surgeons) multicenter (14 centers) community-based integrated health care system. Patient demographic information, repair type, complications, and time from surgery to release from medical care were recorded. Results: A total of 361 patients (374 knees) met our inclusion criteria. The mean age was 39.8 years (range, 9-86 years), and 91.7% were male. There were 321 transosseous and 53 anchor repairs. There was no significant difference in the mean age (P = .27), sex (P = .79), tourniquet time (P = .93), or body mass index (P = .78) between the groups. There was a significant difference in rerupture rate between transosseous and anchor repairs (7.5% vs 0%, respectively; P = .034). Based on logistic regression, transosseous repair had 3.24 times the odds of reoperation verseus anchor repair (95% CI, 0.757-13.895; P = .1129). The infection rate was 1.6% for transosseous repair and 7.5% for anchor repair (P = .160). There was no difference in time to release from medical care: 18.4 weeks for anchor and 17.1 weeks for transosseous repairs (P = .92). Conclusion: Anchor repair demonstrated a significant decrease in rerupture rate when compared with transosseous repair. There was no difference in reoperation rate, infection rate, or time to release from medical care.

Arthroscopic transosseous rotator cuff repair: how to avoid damaging the axillary nerve—a cadaveric study

Arthroscopic transosseous rotator cuff repair can be performed with an external guide, although the proximity to the axillary nerve raises safety concerns. The aim of this study is to determine the safety of different drilling angles regarding the axillary nerve. We performed a bone tunnel in the greater tuberosity in 17 fresh frozen shoulders, using an external guide at four different angles: 40°, 50°, 60°, and 70°. At each angle, we measured the distance between the drill and the axillary nerve, the distance from the acromion to the skin incision point, and the perimeter of the arm at the axilla. The distance to the axillary nerve was safe with the guide at an angle of 40°, 50° and 60°, but not at 70° (p = 0.001). We found significant differences between all four angles (p < 0.05). Regression analysis demonstrated the influence of the guide angle in all measurements assessed (p < 0.001). There was no association between the measurements taken and the axillary perimeter (p > 0.5). Arthroscopic transosseous rotator cuff repair with an external guide does not pose a risk for the axillary nerve using angles of 60° or less.

Complications Following Transosseous Repair of Zone I Flexor Tendon Injuries

Multiple techniques are described for repair of zone I flexor tendon injuries, many of which are fraught with complications. This study evaluated the clinical complications after a transosseous repair technique. A retrospective review of a single institutional database identified all zone I flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) injuries repaired using a transosseous technique. In this technique, 2 nonabsorbable sutures were passed from volar to dorsal through transosseous tunnels and tied dorsally over the distal phalanx proximal to the germinal matrix. Demographics, injury characteristics, operative details, and complications were reviewed. Eight patients met the inclusion criteria. Average age was 31 years (range, 15-66 years) and all patients were male. Eight fingers were included: ring (4), small (3), and middle (1). Seven injuries were closed and one was open. Average time between injury and surgery was 13 days (range, 4-34 days). Five patients experienced complications, including osteomyelitis, chronic draining granuloma, and abnormal nail growth. Three patients required an additional operative procedure for management of complications. Transosseous repair of zone I flexor digitorum profundus injuries with a buried dorsal suture is associated with a high rate of clinical complications. Therapeutic V.

Mid- to Long-Term Outcomes After Deep Infections After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

PurposeTo review clinical and subjective outcomes in patients with deep infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.MethodsAll patients in whom deep infections developed after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at a single center between 2002 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, clinical and microbiological findings, and treatment were analyzed. Clinical and subjective outcomes included the Constant score, visual analog scale score for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Simple Shoulder Test score.ResultsThirty patients could be identified and included in the study. The most commonly isolated pathogens were Staphylococcus epidermidis (36.7%) and Cutibacterium acnes (30.0%). In 26 of 30 patients (86.7%), the infection was treated initially with an open surgical approach, whereas 4 patients (13.3%) underwent arthroscopic revision. A transosseous rotator cuff repair could be performed in 20.0% of patients. A single reoperation was sufficient in 80% of patients, whereas 13.3% required 2 revisions and 6.7% required 3. At the final follow-up of 8.3 years (range, 4-14 years), 26 patients (1 woman and 25 men) were available for outcome evaluation. Significant improvement from the initial surgical procedure to final follow-up was detected in the Constant score (25.7 vs 65.7, P < .001), visual analog scale score for pain (7.0 vs 1.7, P < .001), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (38.0 vs 76.7, P < .001), and Simple Shoulder Test score (4.0 vs 8.3, P < .001).ConclusionsPatients with deep infections after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair showed moderate mid- to long-term outcomes.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, therapeutic case series.

The correlation between shape of the sigmoid notch of the distal radius and the risk of triangular fibrocartilage complex foveal tear.

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the shape of the distal radius sigmoid notch and triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) foveal tear. Between 2013 and 2018, patients were retrospectively recruited in two different groups. The patient group comprised individuals who underwent arthroscopic transosseous TFCC foveal repair for foveal tear of the wrist. The control group comprised individuals presenting with various diseases around wrist not affecting the TFCC. The study recruited 176 patients (58 patients, 118 controls). The sigmoid notch shape was classified into four types (flat-face, C-, S-, and ski-slope types) and three radiological parameters related to the sigmoid notch (namely, the radius curvature, depth, and version angle) were measured. The association of radiological parameters and sigmoid notch types with the TFCC foveal tear was investigated in univariate and multivariate analyses. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to estimate a cut-off for any statistically significant variables. Univariate analysis showed that the flat-face type was more prevalent in the patients than in the control group (43% vs 21%; p = 0.002), while the C-type was lower in the patients than in the control group (3% vs 17%; p = 0.011). The depth and version angle of sigmoid notch showed a negative association with the TFCC foveal tear in the multivariate analysis (depth: odds ratio (OR) 0.380; p = 0.037; version angle: OR 0.896; p = 0.033). Estimated cut-off values were 1.34 mm for the depth (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.725) and 10.45° for the version angle (AUC = 0.726). The proportion of flat-face sigmoid notch type was greater in the patient group than in the control group. The depth and version angle of sigmoid notch were negatively associated with TFCC foveal injury. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(6):749-754.

Arthroscopic Transosseous Repair of Rotator Cuff Tear and Greater Tuberosity Cysts

PurposeTo evaluate the short-term outcomes of rotator cuff repair in the presence of a greater tuberosity cyst (GTC) using a transosseous repair technique.MethodsThis study included patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff tear repair with a transosseous technique and were evaluated clinically and by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after 1 year. The inclusion criteria were based on the results of preoperative MRI and were as follows: patients identified as having a repairable full-thickness rotator cuff tear associated with the presence of cystic changes at the tendon insertion site of the greater tuberosity, defined as a GTC involving the footprint area of the torn tendon (supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus tendons).ResultsWe evaluated 25 patients. The mean preoperative and postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were 39.48 (P = .530) and 84.64 (P = .035), respectively; Constant shoulder scores, 38.96 (P < .005) and 80.28 (P = .425), respectively; and University of California–Los Angeles shoulder rating scale scores, 10.6 (P = .045) and 29.04 (P = .315), respectively. The GTC mapping system was easily adopted in all the MRI examinations independently from the quality of the images. The GTCs were mostly located in the superficial anterolateral section of the humeral head and in both the posterolateral sections (superficial and deep).ConclusionsArthroscopic transosseous rotator cuff repair led to significant mid-term improvement and satisfactory subjective outcomes with low complication and failure rates in this study. The GTC mapping system could be useful to evaluate GTCs and to aid surgeons in the choice of the best surgical technique.Level of EvidenceLevel IV, therapeutic case series.

The effect of subscapularis management technique on outcomes and complication rates following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundRepair of the subscapularis tendon following rTSA has been shown to decrease postoperative dislocations in some studies, but the effect of repair on other outcomes has not been defined. We proposed to assess differences in postoperative pain, function, range of motion, strength, complications, and reoperations after three types of management of the subscapularis tendon—primary repair (tendon-to-tendon), transosseous repair, and no repair—at a minimum of two years of follow-up after rTSA. MethodsReview of an institutional database identified patients with primary rTSA treated by a single surgeon using the same operative technique and implant (medial glenoid with lateral humeral implant) except for subscapularis repair (tendon-to-tendon repair, transosseous repair, no repair). Patients with revision rTSA, anatomic TSA, hemiarthroplasty, or surgery for proximal humeral fracture, nonunion, or malunion were excluded. ResultsOf 210 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 82 (39%) had primary tendon repair of the subscapularis (PTR), 88 (41.9%) had transosseous repair (TOR), and 40 (19%) did not have the subscapularis repaired (NR). Of all demographics and comorbidities measured, the only significant differences among treatments groups were in gender (54.9% female in PTR, 43.2% in TOR, and 72.5% in NR, p = 0.008) and subscapularis status before surgery (89% intact in PTR, 80.7% in TOR, and 38.5% in NR, p < 0.001). There were significantly more patients in the NR group whose operative indication was massive rotator cuff tear compared to the TO and PR groups. Similarly, there were significantly more patients whose operative indication was primary osteoarthritis in the TR group over the PR group, and the PR group over the NR group. There were no significant differences in complication rates (11% PTR, 13.6% TOR, 15% NR, p = 0.79) or reoperation rates (PTR 2.4%, TOR 2.3%, NR 5.0%, p = 0.66) or associations between subscapularis management technique and reoperation or complication rates. ConclusionSubscapularis management technique in rTSA did not affect complication or reoperation rates, and the procedure led to improvements in pain, function, range of motion, and strength in all three treatment groups. Repair of the subscapularis, regardless of technique, led to greater improvements in pain compared to no repair, although this may be partially attributable to better preoperative subscapularis status in the repair groups. Both repair techniques led to equal improvements in all measured outcomes, with the exception of primary tendon repair producing more improvement in ER strength compared to transosseous repair. Level of evidenceLevel III; Case Control Study

Large variation in indications, preferred surgical technique and rehabilitation protocol for primary anterior cruciate ligament repair: a survey among ESSKA members.

To assess current surgical preferences and practice patterns regarding primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair among European Society for Sports Traumatology, Knee Surgery and Arthroscopy (ESSKA) members. A web-based survey was designed, including questions regarding indications for primary repair, outcomes of primary repair, and rehabilitation protocols. An invitation for study participation was sent by email to all ESSKA e-mail contacts. Descriptive statistics were performed. A total of 169 surgeons responded to the survey (7% response rate of active members). Lack of supporting scientific evidence is the main reason for not using repair as a surgical treatment (63%). Most important indications were proximal avulsion tears (84%), younger age (49%), and older age (34%). Among those currently utilizing repair as a treatment option, transosseous tunnel fixation repair (34%) and repair with internal brace using transosseous tunnel fixation (32%) were the most preferred techniques. Eleven percent indicated dynamic intraligamentary stabilization as their preferred technique. A similar rate of progression for rehabilitation for repair and reconstruction techniques was noted among respondents. This practice survey shows that the majority of surgeons indicated the main reason for not incorporating primary repair in their current practices was a lack of supporting scientific evidence. Among those holding favourable attitudes and beliefs, most surgeons indicated patients with proximal tears, younger-aged, and older-aged patients might be eligible for repair. Prospective studies with higher levels of evidence are warranted to establish guidelines for repair, including indications, optimal surgical technique, and rehabilitation protocols. V (expert opinion).

Functional Outcomes Are Similar After Early and Late Arthroscopic One-Tunnel Transosseous Repair of Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Foveal Tears

To compare outcomes at different time periods following arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) transosseous foveal repair within 6 months, between 6 and 12 months, and more than 12 months from injury. Consecutive patients treated with arthroscopic TFCC foveal repair using the uniform one-tunnel transosseous suture technique by a surgeon from 2014 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were assigned to 1 of 3 groups according to time between injury and surgery. Pain visual analog scale (VAS); grip strength; modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS); Quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDASH) score; and distal radioulnar joint stability were assessed at minimum 2 years postoperatively, along with minimal clinically important difference, and overall patient satisfaction. This study cohort consisted of 80 patients: group A (<6 months, n= 38), group B (6-12 months, n= 20), and group C (>12 months, n= 22). No differences were found among groups in VAS, grip strength, and MMWS and QuickDASH. Overall, patients exhibited significant functional improvement at 2 years (VAS: 3-0, P < .001; grip strength: 77.1%-95.6%, P < .001; MMWS: 65-90, P < .001, QuickDASH: 20.5-4.5, P < .001). Median changes in outcome variables and the proportion of patients achieving minimal clinically important difference for the QuickDASH were similar among groups. Seventy-eight patients (97%) achieved distal radioulnar joint stability, and 70 patients (87%) were satisfied with treatment. Although this current study has insufficient statistical power, the available data suggest that patients with a TFCC foveal tear who underwent arthroscopic transosseous repair surgery more than 12 months after injury could expect to experience similar functional improvement compared with patients who underwent surgery within 6 months or between 6 and 12 months following injury. Level III, retrospective comparative study.

CORR Insights®: Anchorless Arthroscopic Transosseous and Anchored Arthroscopic Transosseous Equivalent Rotator Cuff Repair Show No Differences in Structural Integrity or Patient-reported Outcomes in a Matched Cohort.

CORR Insights®: Anchorless Arthroscopic Transosseous and Anchored Arthroscopic Transosseous Equivalent Rotator Cuff Repair Show No Differences in Structural Integrity or Patient-reported Outcomes in a Matched Cohort.

Is it necessary to tie the medial row in rotator cuff repair double-row constructs when using suture tape?

PurposeTo evaluate the selected biomechanical differences of a double-row trans-osseous equivalent rotator cuff repair with a knotless versus knot-tying medial row using suture tape in regard to repair displacement, stiffness, and ultimate load to failure. MethodsIn 16 fresh-frozen human shoulders (8 matched pairs), double-row rotator cuff repairs were performed with medial-row mattress knots (MK) on one side, the other without (NK). Two DVRT (Differential Variable Reluctance Transducer) sensors were attached between the humerus and 3 mm above the repair site and were used to measure the displacement across the repair during cycling. The biomechanical parameters measured were repair displacement, stiffness, and ultimate load to failure. The supraspinatus was loaded in a similar fashion to previously described protocol using cyclic loading and load to failure testing.1 ResultsAll data from paired specimens were compared using paired Student t tests. No statistically significant difference (SSD) in displacement across the repair over the 200 cycles of the test was noted between the two groups (MK = 0.591 ± 0.501 mm; NK = 0.439 ± 0.417 mm, p = 0.618). No SSD in stiffness was noted between the two groups (MK = 32.87 ± 6.31 N/mm; NK = 27.98 ± 9.69 N/mm, p = 0.120). No SSD in ultimate load to failure was noted between the two groups (MK = 501.2 ± 126.1 N; NK = 416.8 ± 120.0 N, p = 0.116). ConclusionThere was no statistically significant different between knotless versus knotted medial row double row rotator cuff repair constructs using suture tape in regard to displacement across the repair site, stiffness and ultimate load to failure. Despite previous evidence suggesting inferiority of knotless medial row technique using suture constructs, this evidence may support the biomechanical equivalency of knotless medial row technique using suture tape.

Results of Arthroscopic Transosseous Rotator Cuff Repair Using the ArthroCuff System: A Prospective Study

ABSTRACT Introduction Rotator cuff tears are one of the common cause of shoulder pain and disability. Transosseus cuff repair is still considered as the gold standard against which other techniques are compared. We studied the functional outcome of 50 patients with rotator cuff tear treated by our novel reusable arthroscopic transosseous repair system (ArthroCuff). Materials and methods We performed a prospective study involving 50 patients with full thickness rotator cuff tears during the period from January 2017 to December 2107. Repair was done with the ArthroCuff system. The patients were followed up periodically at 6 months and 1 year; 2 years functional outcome was assessed for pain, Oxford Shoulder score and active range of motion. Results At the end of 1 year and 2 years, all our patients had significant improvement in their Oxford Score, range of motion and pain relief. Two patients were trailing behind the mean at 6 months but they improved at 12 months. The results are comparable with other available transosseous systems and arthroscopic double row repair techniques. Conclusion Arthroscopic transosseous repair though a reliable and cost-effective alternate to suture anchors, is not widely available in India. So, in association with the National Hub for Healthcare Device Development, we developed ArthroCuff. For cost-conscious countries a reusable system to provide a robust rotator cuff repair is the need of the hour and we believe surgeons and patients can benefit from the multiple advantages that exist with this system. How to cite this article Rajsirish BS, Rajagopalan S, Nehru R, et al. Results of Arthroscopic Transosseous Rotator Cuff Repair Using the ArthroCuff System: A Prospective Study. J Orth Joint Surg 2020;2(1):4–9.

Suture Anchor Repair of Quadriceps and Patellar Tendon Injuries.

Operative treatment of quadriceps and patellar tendon ruptures with transosseous bone tunnels remains the gold standard, but potential benefits exist with the use of suture anchor fixation for these injuries. Such benefits include stronger biomechanical fixation, reduced soft-tissue disruption, smaller incision, reduced postoperative pain, shorter operative time, lower knot burden, lack of prepatellar bursa scarring, and avoidance of some transosseous repair risks. In this investigation, we present the reproducible technique and outcomes of using suture anchors for repair of quadriceps and patellar tendon ruptures.

Quadriceps Tendon Rupture Following Total Knee Arthroplasty

Introduction: Rupture of a Quadriceps Tendon (QT) following a Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is a rare complication. The purpose of this study was to report outcomes and complications of QT repair following TKA. Methods: From a cohort of 437 QT repairs, 19 individuals were identified who had previously undergone a TKA on the ipsilateral leg. Data was collected on individuals with a minimum follow up of 3 months post QT repair (n=16), including Knee Society Scores, pre and post-operative lag, and pre and post-operative range of motion. Results: 13 patients were treated with End-to-End (EE) repairs and 6 were treated with transosseous or suture anchor repair (ATO). In the ATO group, there was no difference in pre (68.0 ± 22.5) and post KSS (82 ± 9.16) (p=0.231), but in the EE group, there was a significant improvement in KSS (pre=67.8 ± 13.1, post=86 ± 16.75, p=0.0027). There was significant difference in post-operative extension lag between ATO (26.0 ± 12.6) vs. EE (4.0 ± 2.74) (p=0.0083). Four out of six ATO patients had extension lag ≥10 degree extensor lag (66.7%) compared to 2 out of 13 (15.4%) patients in the EE group. Compared to EE, ATO repair had an 8.00 times odds of re-tear (95% CI: 0.53,120.6; p=0.133) and 2.75 times greater risk of infection (95% CI: 0.284, 26.61; p=0.382). Conclusion: Patients who underwent EE repair had better functional improvements compared to the ATO group and smaller extension lag.

Arthroscopic, Needle-Based, Transosseous Rotator Cuff Repair

Although open transosseous repair was historically used as a gold-standard surgical solution for rotator cuff tears, this procedure was largely replaced by anchor-based techniques because of the advancement of arthroscopic surgery. However, the ability of anchor-based repair to achieve similar biomechanical fixation remains uncertain. Despite the proposals of numerous methods over the last decade, there remains demand for a standard, reliable technique that integrates the biomechanical advantages of transosseous fixation within the realm of arthroscopy. We describe a technique for transosseous rotator cuff repair using the Omnicuff, a needle-based transosseous suture-passing device that minimizes the risk of failure of suture passage between the bone tunnels. With potential advantages of this design including automated-assisted suture passage, improved bone-tendon healing, and anchorless fixation, surgeons may be inclined to consider these biomechanical and cost-saving benefits. Future studies are warranted to determine clinical outcomes of this technique and its suitability for tears of varying degrees and patterns.

L’échec de la réparation de la coiffe augmente le risque de développer une arthrose gléno-humérale secondaire : suivi à long terme après réparation ouverte des lésions sévères du tendon du sous-scapulaire

BackgroundThe subscapularis musculotendinous unit provides a stabilizing effect on the glenohumeral joint and thus, enables normal active range of motion. As pathologies of the subscapularis tendon (SSC) are diagnosed with increased regularity, treatment strategies and their long-term consequences are of relevant interest. Therefore, the primary objective of this retrospective case series was to evaluate clinical and radiological long-term results after open repair of large SSC tears. HypothesisRepair failure negatively influences clinical outcomes and the progression of secondary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA). MethodsBetween 1998 and 2007, 24 patients with traumatic large (Lafosse III and IV) SSC tears were treated with an open transosseous repair technique. Of those, 20 patients (83%) with a mean age of 55±8 years (range, from 31 to 68 years) at the time of surgery were subjected to a long-term follow-up after a mean of 14±3 years (range, from 10 to 18 years). The Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), the Constant Score (CS), the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score, and the American Society for Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score were obtained. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to evaluate tendon integrity. The progression of secondary glenohumeral OA from pre- to postoperative was analyzed using the collective instability arthropathy (CIA) score. ResultsOne patient (5%) had to undergo revision surgery due to a symptomatic re-tear of the SSC tendon. Besides that, the mean SSV of the affected shoulder was 83%±12, the CS 78±10, the UCLA 32±2, and the ASES 89±14 points, respectively. MRI revealed a re-tear of the SSC tendon in 4 patients (29%). On the affected shoulder, glenohumeral OA progressed significantly from pre- (CIA, 0.3±0.5) to postoperative (CIA, 1.7±0.9; p=0.003) and was significantly associated with repair failure (p=0.040). ConclusionOpen repair of large SSC tears yielded good clinical long-term results. Nevertheless, repair failure was common and, in the further course, negatively affected clinical outcomes and the progression of secondary glenohumeral OA. Level of evidenceIV; retrospective case series.

Anchored vs. Anchorless Arthroscopic Transosseous Rotator Cuff Repair: Clinical Outcomes and Structural Integrity of a Matched Cohort

Anchored vs. Anchorless Arthroscopic Transosseous Rotator Cuff Repair: Clinical Outcomes and Structural Integrity of a Matched Cohort

Repair failure increases the risk of developing secondary glenohumeral osteoarthritis: A long-term follow-up after open repair of large subscapularis tendon tears

BackgroundThe subscapularis musculotendinous unit provides a stabilizing effect on the glenohumeral joint and thus, enables normal active range of motion. As pathologies of the subscapularis tendon (SSC) are diagnosed with increased regularity, treatment strategies and their long-term consequences are of relevant interest. Therefore, the primary objective of this retrospective case series was to evaluate clinical and radiological long-term results after open repair of large SSC tears. HypothesisRepair failure negatively influences clinical outcomes and the progression of secondary glenohumeral osteoarthritis (OA). MethodsBetween 1998 and 2007, 24 patients with traumatic large (Lafosse III and IV) SSC tears were treated with an open transosseous repair technique. Of those, 20 patients (83%) with a mean age of 55±8 years (range, from 31 to 68 years) at the time of surgery were subjected to a long-term follow-up after a mean of 14±3 years (range, from 10 to 18 years). The Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), the Constant Score (CS), the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score, and the American Society for Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score were obtained. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to evaluate tendon integrity. The progression of secondary glenohumeral OA from pre- to postoperative was analyzed using the collective instability arthropathy (CIA) score. ResultsOne patient (5%) had to undergo revision surgery due to a symptomatic re-tear of the SSC tendon. Besides that, the mean SSV of the affected shoulder was 83%±12, the CS 78±10, the UCLA 32±2, and the ASES 89±14 points, respectively. MRI revealed a re-tear of the SSC tendon in 4 patients (29%). On the affected shoulder, glenohumeral OA progressed significantly from pre- (CIA, 0.3±0.5) to postoperative (CIA, 1.7±0.9; p=0.003) and was significantly associated with repair failure (p=0.040). ConclusionOpen repair of large SSC tears yielded good clinical long-term results. Nevertheless, repair failure was common and, in the further course, negatively affected clinical outcomes and the progression of secondary glenohumeral OA. Level of EvidenceIV; retrospective case series.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using a transosseous knotless anchor (ATOK)

This article reviews the clinical and radiographic outcomes in a noninferiority trial use of a transosseous knotless anchor to perform arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs in a patient cohort that have an increased incidence of osteoporosis. Patients aged over 60 with a documented rotator cuff tear and who failed a rehab program underwent repair using an arthroscopic transosseous knotless (ATOK) anchor. Patients were prospectively reviewed using shoulder functional assessments (age-adjusted Constant score, Oxford Shoulder Score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form [ASES], visual analog scale [VAS] pain scores), and underwent preoperative as well as 1-, 3-, and 12-month postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. 15 patients had undergone rotator cuff repair using the ATOKand were followed for a minimum of 24 months (range 24-30 months). From preoperative to 24 months post repair, median scores improved for ASES (61-89), Oxford (26-44), Constant (62-91), and VAS Pain (5-0.5). Four patients developed a partial retear of their repair, but only 1 patient sustained a complete retear: Sugaya type I, 10; type II, 1; type III, 2; type IV, 1; and type V, 1. No anchors were displaced, and there were no osteolysis, neurologic, or technique-related complications. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs using a transosseous knotless technique has achieved a satisfactory outcome in this group of patients, who typically have poor bone quality, increasing the risk of antegrade anchor pullout. This approach would appear to combine the potential biomechanical and biological advantages of a transosseous repair technique, with the benefits of the lower morbidity arthroscopic surgical approach.

Arthroscopic Knotless Separate Layer Transosseous Equivalent Repair of Delaminated Rotator Cuff Tears

Delamination of rotator cuff tears presents a challenge for surgeons. Recognizing and repairing such a complex tear pattern often require innovative approaches to achieve an anatomic restoration of footprint. In this Technical Note, we described our preferred method that anatomically repairs both layers of delaminated rotator cuff tear separately in a knotless transosseous equivalent technique. Two sutures are placed to the articular layer in a cinch stitch configuration. Then, closed-loop end sutures are passed through both layers while keeping the closed-loop end at the working portal. The free ends of cinch stitches are loaded to anchors with a preloaded fiber tape loop, which is placed to the medial row while approximating the articular layer onto its footprint. Fiber tapes are then shuttled through both layers of tendon with the help of a previously placed closed-loop suture. Finally, the lateral row anchors are placed while fiber tapes are tensioned in a cross-bridge configuration. We believe that this technique may facilitate uneventful healing of delaminated rotator cuffs by providing the biomechanical properties of transosseous equivalent repair.