Microfracture on arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears yielded low retear rate
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Patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic single-row repair augmented with microfracture experienced significantly lower retear rates and better functional outcomes compared with single-row and double-row repairs, according to published results.
In a retrospective comparative study, researchers categorized 123 patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears into groups based on whether they underwent single-row (n=40), double-row (n=39) or arthroscopic single-row repairs augmented with microfracture (n=44). Researchers considered retear rate detected by MRI as the primary outcome, while functional outcome was the secondary outcome.
Results showed retear rates of 33%, 14% and 36% in the single-row, single-row augmented with microfracture and double-row groups, respectively. Researchers found significantly improved functional outcomes in terms of postoperative Constant and VAS scores in the single-row augmented with microfracture group vs. the single-row and double-row groups. However, researchers noted nonsignificant delta Constant scores for retear and intact tendons.
“On the basis of our results, a future large prospective randomized controlled trial or systemic meta-analysis is recommended,” the authors wrote. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.