This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Improved function seen after arthroscopic repair of massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears
Although results from this retrospective comparative study showed significant improvements in shoulder function following arthroscopic repair of massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears with or without combined subscapularis tears, researchers found a trend for higher retear rates among patients with tears involving more than half of the subscapularis tendon.
Researchers analyzed 92 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. Patients were categorized into the following three groups by the state of their subscapularis tendon: intact subscapularis tendon (I-massive); tear that was half or less than half of the subscapularis tendon (S-massive tear); and a tear in more than half of the subscapularis tendon (L-massive tear). Investigators collected data on the day prior to the procedure and at final follow-up, which was a minimum of 24 months postoperatively.
The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Constant score, VAS pain score and active shoulder range of motion were the outcome measures used. Radiographs were obtained and ultrasongraphic examinations were conducted at 4.5 months and 12 months postoperatively.
Ultrasound examinations identified 25 retears. There was a trend toward higher retear rates in the L-massive group compared with the S-massive tear group and the I-massive tear group; however, there was no statistical significance with the trend.
Significant differences in VAS and ASES scores were seen in patients with L-tears compared with those with S-massive tears and I-massive tears. At the final follow-up, the three groups had clinical improvements that reached statistical significance, but there were no significant differences between groups for this outcome, according to researchers. ‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.