Primary Repair in Tears Affecting Two or More Rotator Cuff Tendons

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The current study assessed the factors affecting outcomes of primary repair procedures in tears of multiple rotator cuff tendons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the cases of rotator cuff tears involving two or more tendons receiving operations between 1997 and 2003, The clinical results of 19 cases with more than 2 years follow-up were evaluated by the UCLA score. We evaluated the correlation of trauma, active motion, acromiohumeral distance, tear size, and surface area with the UCLA score using Pearson's linear correlation coefficient (PLCC). RESULTS: UCLA scores increased significantly in all cases, from 9 to 26.1 on average. However, the results were good in 53%, and poor in 47% according to Ellman's criteria. Trauma, active elevation, acromiohumeral distance, and tear size did not correlate with the UCLA score, but the tear surface area was inversely correlated with the score (PLCC=- 0.696). Cases with degeneration of the infraspinatus muscle above Goutallier grade III on MRI showed worse results than cases with less degeneration. CONCLUSION: The clinical results of primary repair of rotator cuff tears involving multiple tendons were satisfactory in 53% of patients. Large tear surface area and severe degeneration of the infraspinatus were poor prognostic factors.