Diagnosis and treatment of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To discuss the diagnosis and treatment of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears.Methods A total of 14 cases of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears from April 1999 to January 2004 were surgically treated in this hospital.Before operation,X-ray examinations at anteroposterior view and at scapular outlet view were conducted in all cases,B-ultrasonography was conducted in 11 cases,and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) or magnetic resonance arthrography(MRA),in 14 cases.Subacromial decompression and tear debridement was performed in 5 cases,while subacromial decompression and rotator cuff repair was performed in 9 cases.The University of California Los Angeles(UCLA) shoulder scoring system was used to evaluate the outcomes.Results The partial tears were identified at bursal-side in 7 cases and at articular-side in 7 cases.The 14 cases were followed for 1~6 years(mean,38 months).The UCLA scores were elevated from 15.9?3.9 preoperatively to 30.9?5.2 postoperatively(t=15.000,P=0.000).The curative results were classified as "good" in 13 cases and "poor" in 1 case.Conclusions Arthroscopy is a reliable method for the diagnosis of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears,which can be effectively treated with rotator cuff repairs.Arthroscopic repair gives little invasion and quick recovery.