Clinical and radiologic outcomes after tendon insertion medialized repair of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effectiveness of tendon insertion medialized repair in treatment of large-to-massive rotator cuff tears (L/MRCT).@*METHODS@#The clinical and imaging data of 46 L/MRCT patients who underwent arthroscopic insertion medialized repair between October 2015 and June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 26 males and 20 females with an average age of 57.7 years (range, 40-75 years). There were 20 cases of large rotator cuff tears and 26 cases of massive rotator cuff tears. Preoperative imaging evaluation included fatty infiltration (Goutallier grade), tendon retraction (modified Patte grade), supraspinatus tangent sign, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and postoperative medializaiton length and tendon integrity. The clinical outcome was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Society for Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (ASES) score, shoulder range of motion (including anteflexion and elevation, lateral external, and internal rotation) and anteflexion and elevation muscle strength before and after operation. The patients were divided into two groups (the intact tendon group and the re-teared group) according to the integrity of the tendon after operation. According to the medializaiton length, the patients were divided into group A (medialization length ≤10 mm) and group B (medialization length >10 mm). The clinical function and imaging indexes of the patients were compared.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up 24-56 months, with an average of 31.8 months. At 1 year after operation, MRI showed that the medializaiton length of supraspinatus tendon was 5-15 mm, with an average of 10.26 mm, 33 cases in group A and 13 cases in group B. Eleven cases (23.91%) had re-teared, including 5 cases (45.45%) of Sugaya type Ⅳ and 6 cases (54.55%) of Sugaya type Ⅴ. At last follow-up, the VAS score, ASES score, shoulder anteflexion and elevation range of motion, lateral external rotation range of motion, and anteflexion and elevation muscle strength significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference in internal rotation range of motion between pre- and post-operation ( P>0.05). The Goutallier grade and modified Patte grade of supraspinatus muscle in the re-teared group were significantly higher than those in the intact tendon group, and the AHD was significantly lower than that in the intact tendon group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other baseline data between the two groups ( P>0.05). Except that the ASES score of the intact tendon group was significantly higher than that of the re-teared group ( P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the other postoperative clinical functional indicators between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of re-tear, VAS score, ASES score, range of motion of shoulder joint, and anteflexion and elevation muscle strength between group A and group B ( P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Tendon insertion medialized repair may be useful in cases with L/MRCT, and shows good postoperative shoulder function. Neither tendon integrity nor medialization length shows apparent correlations with postoperative shoulder function.

Evaluación funcional del manejo de rupturas masivas del manguito de los rotadores con el uso del balón subacromial / Functional evaluation of the management of massive rotator cuff ruptures with the use of the subacromial balloo

Resumen: Introducción: Las rupturas del manguito de los rotadores (MR) se presentan en más de 50% de los pacientes mayores de 60 años y pueden causar cambios en la biomecánica normal del hombro que pueden desencadenar una artropatía por desgarro del MR. Actualmente, no existe un consenso sobre el tratamiento para el desgarro masivo del MR. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados clínicos y radiográficos de la colocación del balón subacromial en estas lesiones. Material y métodos: Estudio analítico, longitudinal y retrospectivo de 10 pacientes consecutivos tratados con el uso del balón subacromial. Se utilizaron escalas de Constant (CS) y ASES prequirúrgicas, a los seis y 12 meses de seguimiento postquirúrgico. Los resultados radiográficos fueron valorados por medio del intervalo acromio-humeral (IAH) en una radiografía anteroposterior (AP) verdadera de hombro. Resultados: La mejoría promedio en la CS fue de 41.7 ± 8.93 a los 12 meses de seguimiento, la escala de ASES mostró una mejoría promedio de 64.6 ± 4.9 a los 12 meses de seguimiento. El IAH prequirúrgico fue de 6.1 ± 1.10 y la media a los 12 meses de seguimiento fue de 7.1 ± 0.9. Se observó una mejoría clínica y radiográfica en todas las escalas; sin embargo, no se encontraron resultados estadísticamente significativos. Conclusión: El balón subacromial previene el ascenso de la cabeza humeral en los primeros 12 meses de colocado; suponemos que podría restaurar la cinemática glenohumeral normal mejorando movilidad y disminuyendo dolor.

Abstract: Introduction: Rotator cuff (MR) ruptures occur in more than 50% of patients over the age of 60, and can cause changes in normal shoulder biomechanics that can trigger rotator cuff tear arthropathy. There is currently no consensus on treatment for massive rotator cuff tears. Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of subacromial balloon placement in these lesions. Material and methods: Analytical, longitudinal and retrospective study of 10 consecutive patients treated with the use of the subacromial balloon. Constant (CS) and ASES scales were used preoperatively and at 6, 12 months of post-surgical follow-up. Radiographic results were assessed using the Acromio-humeral Interval (AHI) on a true AP shoulder X-ray. Results: The average improvement in CS was 41.7 ± 8.93 at 12 months of follow-up, the ASES scale showed an average improvement of 64.6 ± 4.9 at 12 months of follow-up. The presurgical AHI was 6.1 ± 1.10 and the mean at 12 months of follow-up was 7.1 ± 0.9. Clinical and radiographic improvement was observed at all scales, however no statistically significant results were found. Conclusion: The subacromial balloon prevents the ascent of the humeral head in the first 12 months of placement; we assume that it could restore normal glenohumeral kinematics by improving mobility and decreasing pain.

Challenges in treatment of massive rotator cuff tear in the elderly / 中华创伤杂志

The rotator cuff of the elderly always is significantly degenerated and often accompanied by osteoarthritis, muscle weakness and muscle atrophy. Rotator cuff tear is the most common cause of shoulder pain. The incidence of massive rotator cuff tear is high in the elderly. Damaged rotator cuff tissue is difficult to repair with a high retear rate after surgical repair, which seriously reduces the quality of life of patients. Therefore, the authors focus on a brief overview of the characteristics, treatment choices, and rehabilitation exercises of the aged patients with massive rotator cuff tear so as to provide references for treating massive rotator cuff tear in the elderly.

Radiologic Comparison of Humeral Position according to the Implant Designs Following Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Analysis between Medial Glenoid/Medial Humerus, Lateral Glenoid/Medial Humerus, and Medial Glenoid/Lateral Humerus Designs

BACKGROUND: The currently available reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) designs can be classified into medial glenoid/medial humerus (MGMH), lateral glenoid/medial humerus (LGMH), and medial glenoid/lateral humerus (MGLH) prosthesis designs. The purpose of this study was to radiologically analyze the effect of different RSA designs on humeral position following RSA. METHODS: A total of 50 patients who underwent primary RSA were retrospectively analyzed. Among 50 patients, 33 patients (group A: MGMH) underwent RSA with Aequalis system (Wright, Inc, Bloomington, MN, USA), 6 (group B: LGMH) with Aequalis system using bony increased offset, and 11 (group C: MGLH) with Aequalis Ascend Flex system. The acromiohumeral distance, acromioepiphyseal distance (AED), lateral humeral offset (LHO), LHO from the center of rotation (LHO(COR)), and deltoid length were radiologically measured to quantify the distalization and lateralization of the humerus. RESULTS: The increment in postoperative AED was 19.92 ± 3.93 mm in group A, 24.52 ± 5.25 mm in group B, and 25.97 ± 5.29 mm in group C, respectively (p=0.001). The increment in postoperative LHO was 0.13 ± 6.30 mm, 8.00 ± 12.14 mm, and 7.42 ± 6.88 mm, respectively (p=0.005). The increment in postoperative LHOCOR was 20.76 ± 6.06 mm, 22.04 ± 5.15 mm, and 28.11 ± 4.14 mm, respectively (p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The radiologic analysis of the effect of different RSA designs on humeral position following RSA showed significant differences in the increment in postoperative AED, LHO, and LHO(COR) between the 3 groups. Therefore, MGLH design seems to be more effective for humeral distalization and lateralization compared to original Grammont design.

Treatment Strategy for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

Recently, patients with shoulder pain have increased rapidly. Of all shoulder disorders, rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are most prevalent in the middle-aged and older adults, which is the primary reason for shoulder surgery in the population. Some authors have reported that up to 30% of total RCTs can be classified as irreparable due to the massive tear size and severe muscle atrophy. In this review article, we provide an overview of treatment methods for irreparable massive RCTs and discuss proper surgical strategies for RCTs that require operative management.

Effect of arthroscopic treatment of massive rotator cuff tears / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of arthroscopic treatment of massive rotator cuff tears. Methods 62 patients with massive rotator cuff tears underwent arthroscopic treatment from January 2010 to February 2016 were enrolled in the study and divided into elder group (≥ 65 years old, n = 23) and control group (< 65 years old, n = 39) according to age. Scores of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scale (ASES), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and Constant-Murley were compared before surgery and at 12 months after surgery between the two groups. Results The age in elder group was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in baseline data including gender, disease duration, etiology and history of shoulder trauma between the two groups (P > 0.05). No perioperative complication occurred in all cases and all surgery were completed safely and successfully. The scores of ASES, UCLA and Constant-Murley at 12 months after surgery in the two groups were all significantly higher than that before surgery (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the scores of ASES, UCLA and Constant-Murley before surgery and at 12 months after surgery between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions Arthroscopic minimally invasive surgery could effectively improve shoulder function in patients with massive rotator cuff tears, and it could also achieve good results in elderly patients and is worthy of clinical application.

Prevalencia de artropatía por desgarro masivo del manguito de los rotadores / Rotator cuff tear athropathy prevalence

Resumen: Introducción: La artropatía por desgarro masivo del manguito de los rotadores (ADMMR) condiciona un desplazamiento de la cabeza humeral acompañada de acetabularización del acromion y femoralización de la glenoides. El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la prevalencia de la ADMMR en el Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación (INR). Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio de prevalencia que incluyó la revisión de 400 expedientes para identificar a 136 pacientes con lesión del manguito de los rotadores. Se integró un subgrupo para pacientes con lesión masiva del manguito de los rotadores (LMMR) y ADMMR. Se estudiaron variables y se estadificaron. Resultados: Se incluyeron 34 pacientes con LMMR (26 mujeres y 8 hombres) con una edad promedio de 60.1 ± 10.26 años. Se registró una prevalencia de 25% de LMMR en el grupo global con lesión del manguito de los rotadores. Asimismo, se buscó la prevalencia de ADMMR en el grupo global y en el subgrupo de lesiones masivas, siendo de 19 y 76%, respectivamente. Los pacientes con LMMR se estadificaron para conocer el grado de ADMMR mediante la clasificación de Seebauer, encontrando 32% con estadios 1a, 11% 1b, 32% 2a, 0% 2b y 23% no presentaban datos de ADMMR. Conclusión: La prevalencia de ADMMR en pacientes del servicio incluido con lesión del manguito de los rotadores y LMMR es mayor a la reportada en la literatura sajona.

Abstract: Introduction: Glenohumeral arthritis secondary to massive rotator cuff tear presents with a superior displacement and femoralization of the humeral head with coracoacromial arch acetabularization. The purpose of this study was to establish prevalence of rotator cuff tear artropathy (CTA) at our institution. Material and methods: Four hundred electronic records were reviewed from which we identified 136 patients with rotator cuff tears. A second group was composed with patients with massive cuff tears that were analized and staged by the Seebauer cuff tear arthropathy classification. Results: Thirty four patients with massive rotator cuff tears were identified, 8 male and 26 female (age 60.1 ± 10.26 years). Massive rotator cuff tear prevalence was 25%. CTA prevalence found in the rotator cuff group was 19 and 76% in the massive cuff tears group. Patients were staged according to the classification with 32% in stage 1a, 11% 1b, 32% 2a and 0% 2b. Conclusion: CTA prevalence in patients with rotator cuff tears and massive cuff tears is higher than the one reported in American population. We consider that a revision of the Seebauer classification to be appropriate to determine its reliability.

Effect of Preoperative Fatty Degeneration of the Deltoid and the Teres Minor Muscles on the Clinical Outcome after Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of preoperative fatty degeneration of deltoid and teres minor muscles on the clinical outcome in patient with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). METHODS: Nineteen patients with RTSA were enrolled. The mean follow-up period was 16.1 months. The fatty degeneration of three distinct parts in each deltoid and the teres minor muscle was measured using a preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Postoperatively, the muscle strengths for forward elevation (FE), abduction (Abd), and external rotation (ER) were measured using a myometer at the last follow-up. The parameters for clinical outcome were Constant Score (CS) and Korean Shoulder Score (KSS). RESULTS: The number of cases was 10 in group 1 and 9 in group 2. The strength of FE and Abd were significantly higher in group 1 (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively), and the strength of ER was not different significantly between two groups (p=0.065). For the clinical outcome, both CS and KSS were higher in group 1 (p=0.002 and p=0.002, respectively). The number of patients in group A was 11, and group B was 8. Although there was not a significant difference in terms of FE and Abd between group A and B (p=0.091, p=0.238), ER was significantly higher in group A (p=0.012). We did not find a significant difference in the clinical scores (CS, p=0.177 and KSS, p=0.238). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the importance of a preoperative evaluation of the fatty degeneration of deltoid and teres minor muscles for predicting postoperative strength and clinical outcome.

Effect of Preoperative Fatty Degeneration of the Deltoid and the Teres Minor Muscles on the Clinical Outcome after Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of preoperative fatty degeneration of deltoid and teres minor muscles on the clinical outcome in patient with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). METHODS: Nineteen patients with RTSA were enrolled. The mean follow-up period was 16.1 months. The fatty degeneration of three distinct parts in each deltoid and the teres minor muscle was measured using a preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Postoperatively, the muscle strengths for forward elevation (FE), abduction (Abd), and external rotation (ER) were measured using a myometer at the last follow-up. The parameters for clinical outcome were Constant Score (CS) and Korean Shoulder Score (KSS). RESULTS: The number of cases was 10 in group 1 and 9 in group 2. The strength of FE and Abd were significantly higher in group 1 (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively), and the strength of ER was not different significantly between two groups (p=0.065). For the clinical outcome, both CS and KSS were higher in group 1 (p=0.002 and p=0.002, respectively). The number of patients in group A was 11, and group B was 8. Although there was not a significant difference in terms of FE and Abd between group A and B (p=0.091, p=0.238), ER was significantly higher in group A (p=0.012). We did not find a significant difference in the clinical scores (CS, p=0.177 and KSS, p=0.238). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the importance of a preoperative evaluation of the fatty degeneration of deltoid and teres minor muscles for predicting postoperative strength and clinical outcome.

Current Concepts of Arthroplasty for the Treatment of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The purpose of this article was to explore current concepts of arthroplasty as a treatment for massive rotator cuff tears. Pubmed was searched using the words 'massive rotator cuff tears' and 'arthroplasty' for suitable articles, which were then reviewed and investigated with respect to history, indications, clinical outcomes, and treatment algorithms of arthroplasty in patients of massive rotator cuff tear. Arthroplasty can be considered a primary surgical treatment for patients with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears and hemiarthroplasty may be the treatment of choice in younger patients with an intact coracoacromial arch and no pseudoparalysis. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is the best surgical treatment for pain relief and the restoration of active forward flexion in elderly patients with cuff tear arthropathy and pseudoparalysis. Proper selection of arthroplasty can provide pain relief and functional improvement in patients with massive rotator cuff tears. However, complication rates remain high, and emphasize the importance of appropriate patient selection and careful operative technique.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty with Tendon Transfer Using Single Incision for Massive Rotator Cuff Tear with Loss of External Rotation / 대한정형외과학회잡지

In patients with massive rotator cuff tears, operative treatment is considered if there is no improvement after conservative treatment. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is an option among several treatments. However, in cases of massive rotator cuff tears that extend to the teres minor with combined loss of active elevation and external rotation, reverse shoulder arthroplasty alone might not restore the active external rotation. As a consequence, patients continue to feel inconvenienced in performing activities of daily living. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty, with latissimus dorsi and teres major transfer, can restore functional range of motion in forward flexion and in external rotation. Herein, we report a case of massive rotator cuff tear with literature review.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Humeral Head Fracture with Massive Rotator Cuff Tear in Elderly Patient / 대한정형외과학회잡지

There are several methods to treat anatomic neck fracture of humerus in elderly patients. It is not easy to obtain optimal clinical or radiological results because of unstable fixaton of fractured site attributed to multifractured osteoporotic tuberosities and combined massive rotator cuff tears in these patients. These factors often lead to high failure rate of implantation. Alternative methods of treatment have been proposed to reduce complications and improve shoulder functions. Reverse shoulder prosthesis was originally designed for patients with cuff tear arthropathy. Indications for reverse shoulder arthroplasty have expanded with initial success. However, there are few reports to perform reverse shoulder prosthesis in proximal humerus fracture. We performed reverse shoulder arthroplasty in a 74-year-old man with right anatomic neck fracture of humerus and concomitant massive rotator cuff tear.

Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: Surgical treatment of massive rotator cuff tear is challenging and there are various surgical options. The purpose of this article is to describe arthroplasty for the treatment of massive rotator cuff tear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed all publications that focused on and/or mentioned arthroplasty as a treatment option for massive rotator cuff tear. RESULTS: Arthroplasty can be used as primary treatment and represents a salvage option for irreparable rotator cuff tear. Hemi-arthroplasty can provide satisfactory results by Neer's limited goals criteria in patients with intact coracoacromial arch. In addition, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty can be a salvage option for pain relief and restoration of active flexion in elderly patients with pseudoparalysis. CONCLUSION: In patients with massive rotator cuff tear, proper selection of arthroplasty can provide pain relief and restoration of functional range of motion in shoulder joints.

Massive Rotator Cuff Tear Repair

PURPOSE: Anatomical repair of massive rotator cuff tear has been technically challenging because of medial retraction, muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration. Among several treatment options for massive rotator cuff tear, we reviewed rotator cuff repairs and investigated modalities for improvement of clinical outcomes, decreasing the re-tear rate, and increasing healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient-related factors and rotator cuff-related factors were the two major groups of factors we considered when choosing a treatment plan. RESULTS: Mobilization of a massive rotator cuff tear was increased by soft tissue release and by the interval slide technique. After meticulous soft tissue release, anatomical repair could be achieved. If the injury was not amenable to anatomical repair, alternative treatment options such as partial repair, the margin convergence technique and augmentation with a tenotomized biceps tendon were considered. Many reports of massive rotator cuff repair demonstrated satisfactory clinical outcomes, decreased pain, recovery of shoulder functions, and increases in muscle strength. However, the re-tear rate had been reported to be relatively high in long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Despite a high re-tear rate after massive rotator cuff repair, a better understanding of the pathogenesis, progression and clinical symptoms of massive rotator cuff tear and improved surgical materials and techniques will lead to satisfactory clinical outcomes.

The Outcome after Arthroscopic Massive Rotator Cuff Repair according to the Repair Technique - Comparison of Tendon to Tendon Repair versus Tendon to Tendon and Bone to Tendon Repair - / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We evaluated the functional outcomes after arthroscopic repair of a massive tear between the tendon to tendon (TT) repair technique and the tendon to tendon and bone to tendon (TTBT) repair technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March, 2002 to January, 2007, 43 cases of arthroscopic massive rotator cuff repair were evaluated. 12 were repaired by TT repair and 31 were repaired by TTBT repair. At 1year follow-up, the functional results were assessed by the KSS, ASES, UCLA and Constant scoring system and the P-VAS (Pain visual analogue score). Post-operative integrity was evaluated by an ultrasound examination 6 months after the operation. RESULTS: In TTBT repair group, the improvement of the KSS, ASES, UCLA and Constant scores were 15.4 (50.5 to 65.9), 28 (55.6 to 83.6), 9.6 (21.1 to 30.7) and 11 (40.7 to 51.7), respectively. The pain improvement was 2.7 (VAS, 3.8 to 1.1) and the retear rate was 62%. In the TT repair group, the functional improvements were 29.2 (33.7 to 62.9), 42.7 (38.6 to 81.3), 13.4 (16.4 to 29.8) and 19.7 (29.6 to 49.3), respectively. The pain improvement was 4.2 (VAS, 5.5 to 1.3) and the retear rate was 75%. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic repair of a massive tear could afford good functional results and pain relief in spite of a high retear rate. The TT repair technique was comparable to the TTBT repair technique.

Clinical Result of Arthroscopic Partial Repairs in Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

PURPOSE: With the better understanding of cuff function, partial repair or "force couple repair" for treating massive irreparable rotator cuff tear has gained some popularity. However, there were few reports on the results of partial repair. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcome of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears who received arthroscopic force-couple repair or partial repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2005 to Feb 2008, arthroscopic partial repairs were performed for 16 irreparable rotator cuff tears among the 101 large to massive rotator cuff tears that were operated on. Clinical and radiographic evaluation were done at the final follow-up RESULTS: There were 7 men and 9 women with a mean age of 66.6 years. The mean follow-up period was 27.3 month (range: 15-46). The pain VAS improved from 4.4 (+/-2.50) to 2.1 (+/-2.26) and the functional VAS improved from 46.9 (+/-16.64) to 70.0 (+/-22.80). The ASES score improved from 39.0 (+/-10.80) to 80.3 (+/-16.78) and the KSS score was 81.9 (+/-16.74) at the final follow-up. The acromio-humeral distance was 6.6 cm (+/-1.74) preoperatively and 6.2 cm (+/-1.69) postoperatively without significant change (p=0.3874). The degenerative changes had no statistically progressed (p=0.2663). CONCLUSION: Partial repair for massive rotator cuff injury patients showed improvement in the clinical score without progression of arthritic change at a mean of 2.3 years follow-up.

The Radiologic and Clinical Changes after Open Complete Repair of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the preoperative and postoperative radiologic findings of patients with complete repairs after massive rotator cuff tears along with the incidence of re-tear and the clinical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study evaluated 33 cases who had open complete repairs for massive rotator cuff tears and these patients were followed up for more than 24 months. The clinical evaluation was performed according to the shoulder joint function test of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and the degree of arthritis related to the massive rotator cuff tears was evaluated using the Hamada classification. RESULTS: The ASES scores improved from 37.6 preoperatively to 85.6 postoperatively. The mean preoperative acromio-humeral interval (AHI) score was 6.5 mm, which increased to 9.3 mm immediately after surgery, and there was a decreased to 6.5 mm noted at the last follow up. The lower radiology stages of arthritis according to the classification showed better preoperative and postoperative results. CONCLUSION: An open complete repair as the surgical treatment for a massive rotator cuff tear showed satisfactory results for pain relief and an improvement in the shoulder joint function though re-tear after surgery.

Massive Rotator Cuff Tear / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To report our experience of massive rotator cuff tear and evaluate the final outcome and factors influencing the final results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have performed 25 repairs (24 patients) of the massive rotator cuff tear. The average age 58 years old, mean follow-up was 22 months. Acromioplasty alone was performed in 7 cases and acromioplasty with direct repair was performed in 18 cases. We statistically analyzed the results by Student's T-test. RESULTS: Postoperative pain and UCLA score improved 2.2, 32 from 7.4, 14 respectively. The gain of 32 degrees in forward flexion, 8 degrees in external rotation could be obtained. Six (24%) was excellent, sixteen (64%) was good and three (12%) was poor and eigthy-four percent of our series was satisfied. Preoperative range of motion (P=0.040) , the degree of degeneration and the magnitude of tendon retraction (P=0.013) influenced the final results, but age (P=0.232) , duration and severity of pain (P=0.370) did not. There was a significant difference between acromioplasty only and acromioplasty with direct repair even though this discrepancy is very small (P=0.046) . Retear was revealed in 8 cases (44%) among repaired rotator cuff. CONCLUSION: Acromioplasty by itself could get a pain relief and functional improvement and a patient satisfaction in the treatment of massive rotator cuff tear regardless a reparability, but a more favorable result could be expected when a torn rotator cuff was repaired if possible.