Treatment of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears: Focusing on Arthroscopic Approach / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

There are no standard guidelines for treatment of massive rotator cuff tears. In this article, we reviewed the various modalities for treatment of massive rotator cuff tears, especially focusing on arthroscopic treatment. Selection of one of a variety of treatment modalities is essential for understanding pathogenesis, biomechanics and reparability of massive rotator cuff tears. The best clinical results have been reported with arthroscopic complete repair of massive rotator cuff tear. Satisfactory results have also been reported with other various arthroscopic treatment methods, including simple debridement, partial repair, biceps tenotomy or tendesis, and augmentation using a tissue substitution. However few long-term follow up results are available with these salvage options. Treatment of massive rotator cuff tears is difficult due to high incidence of irreparable tears and re-tear rate. Thus, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of various treatment modalities is thought to be helpful to improving the outcome of treatment of massive rotator cuff tears.