Debridement or Tuberoplasty for Massive Rotator Cuff Tear

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article was to review the effectiveness of arthroscopic debridement and tuberoplasty, and to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of our series for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed articles that focused on the treatment options and decision making for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears. In particular, we summarized the reported results of arthroscopic debridement and tuberoplasty for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears in the elderly. Among consecutive patients who had arthroscopic tuberoplasty for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears in our series, thirty-two patients available for clinical and radiological evaluation at a mean follow-up of 29 months (range, 13-52 months) were enrolled and reviewed for the analysis. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, the range of active forward flexion increased significantly with excellent pain relief and improvement in the ability to perform the activities of daily living. However, the group with less than 2 mm in preoperative acromiohumeral distance showed inferior postoperative results. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic tuberoplasty may be an alternative option in irreparable massive rotator cuff tears for pain relief and improvement of range of motion. However, good results can not be expected if the acromiohumeral distance is less than 2 mm preoperatively and decreases postoperatively, or when the preoperative range of motion is less than 90degrees on flexion and abduction.

Tuberoplasty for Irreparable Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of arthroscopic tuberoplasty for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients underwent arthroscopic tuberoplasty for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears between December 2004 and April 2007. The mean follow-up period was 17.3 months, and the average age at the time of surgery was 61.7-year-old. Five cases underwent arthroscopic tuberoplasty and 6 cases had arthroscopic subacromial decompression and tuberoplasty, simultaneously. RESULTS: The average Constant score improved from 61.8 to 86.9 and the average UCLA score changed from 14.8 to 31.8 with 6 excellent, 3 good and 2 poor results (p=0.003). The active forward flexion improved from 111.8degrees to 154.1degrees (p=0.011). The acromiohumeral interval increased from 3.94 mm preoperatively to 4.22 mm postoperatively (p=0.12). In the poor UCLA score group, the acromiohumeral interval changed from 1.67 mm preoperatively to 0.94 mm postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic tuberoplasty may be a second option to relieve the pain of irreparable massive rotator cuff tears and improve the range of motion. However, good results could not be expected if the acromiohumeral interval is< 2 mm preoperatively and decreased postoperatively.