ARTHROSCOPIC REPAIR OF FULL-THICKNESS ROTATOR CUFF TEARS: A MULTICENTRIC RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF 576 CASES

Abstract

Purpose of the study: Completely arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears is widely considered as the standard treatment. We reviewed a multicentric retrospective series of patients.

Material and methods: This series of arthroscopic repairs of full-thickness tears of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus were assess with the Constant score together with arthroMRI or arthroscan at one year follow-up at least. Data were analyzed with SPSS10. The series included 576 patients who underwent surgery from January 2001 to June 2003. Mean age was 57.7 years, 52% males and 60% manual laborers. Mean preoperative Constant score was 46.4/100 (r13.4). The tear was limited to the supraspinatus in 69% of patients with extension to the upper third of the infraspinagus for 23.5% and to all tendons for 7.5%. The supraspinatus tear was distal in 41.7% of patients, intermediary for 44%, and retracted for 14.3%. Arthroscopic repair was performed in all cases, with locoregional anesthesia for 60.9%. Implants were resorbable for 33% and metallic for 62.1%. Acromioplasty was performed for 92.7% and capsulotomy for 14.9%.

Results: The mean subjective outcome was scored 8.89/10. The Constant score improved from 46.3±13.4 to 82.7±10.3 with 62% of patients being strictly pain free. The force score improved from 8.5±3.7 to 13.6±5.4. Outcome was excellent or very good for 94% of the shoulders at 18.5 mean follow-up. The rate of complications was 6.2% with 3.1% of patients presenting prolonged joint stiffness, 2.7% reflex dystrophy, 0.2% infection and 0.2% implant migration. The cuff was considered normal in 55.7% of the shoulders with an intratendon addition image for 19%, i.e. 74.7% non-torn cuffs. A point leakage was noted in 9.5% with pronounced leakage in 15.7%, i.e. 25.2% recurrent tears.

Discussion and conclusion: The functional outcome obtained after arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears is good. Arthroscopy has the advantage of a low rate of complications yet provides good clinical and anatomic results. Age is correlated with functional outcome and healing, but should not be considered as a contraindication.