Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair effective in treatment of elderly patients

LOS ANGELES — Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was a highly effective treatment in patients older than 70 years, according to results of a study presented at the Arthroscopy Association of North America Annual Meeting.

“Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was highly effective at reducing pain and improving function and returning patients to sport in this high demand elderly group of patients over 70 years of age,” Sanjeev Bhatia, MD, said, here.

Sanjeev Bhatia

Bhatia and his colleagues reviewed data on 44 patients who were 70 years or older and were recreational athletes. The patients had undergone a primary or revision arthroscopic repair of full-thickness supraspinatus tears. Researchers collected demographic, surgical data and preoperative and postoperative clinical outcome scores along with acromion-humeral distance and Goutallier class.

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Results showed significant improvements in ASES scores, single assessment numeric evaluation score, the Quick-DASH score and SF-12 physical component score at a mean 3.6 years of follow-up. Bhatia and colleagues also found a significant improvement in pain with activities of daily living, recreational sport and sleep. Overall, 77% of patients were able to return to their recreational sport pattern at pre-injury levels.

“It should be noted that although postop outcomes are high, 31% did have a satisfaction score of 6 or lower at final follow up,” Bhatia said. “A second analysis of this subgroup demonstrated that these patients were more likely to have to larger tears or more likely to modify their activities after surgery because of persistent weakness.”

Reference:

Bhatia S, et al. Paper #SS-29. Presented at: Arthroscopy Association of North America Annual Meeting. April 23-25, 2015; Los Angeles.

Disclosure: Bhatia reports no relevant financial disclosures.