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Double-row rotator cuff repair results not dependent upon experience
Despite a relative lack of experience, a newer surgeon can still perform double-row rotator cuff repair effectively enough to predictably improve a patient’s pain and function, according to this study from researchers in Philadelphia.
The authors performed a retrospective review of 69 consecutive patients who underwent double-row arthroscopic repair for treatment of large rotator cuff tears under the care of one surgeon from the start of that surgeon’s practice. The patients were divided into two cohorts, the first group who received their procedure early in the surgeon’s practice (35 patients in the first 18 months of the study period) and the second group who received their procedure more recently (34 patients in the final 12 months of the study period).
According to the study abstract, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, Penn Shoulder Scores and range of motion scores were recorded preoperatively and at the final follow-up for each patient. Operative times were also compared between the two groups.
The authors found both patient cohorts experienced significant improvement in ASES scores and Penn Shoulder Scores at a mean follow-up of 13.25 months. Range of motion improvement was similar between the two groups.
The primary difference between the two groups occurred in operative time, the authors noted, with patients in the first group having a mean operative time of 116 minutes while patients in the second group had a mean operative time of 99.7 minutes. According to the authors, this indicates experience leads to improved efficiency.
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Anakwenze OA. J Should Elbow Surg. 2012. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2012.03.010