Functional and Radiologic Outcomes of Degenerative Versus Traumatic Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears Involving the Supraspinatus Tendon.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is among the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures. Several factors-including age, sex, and tear severity-have been identified as predictors for outcome after repair. The influence of the tear etiology on functional and structural outcome remains controversial. PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of tear etiology (degenerative vs traumatic) on functional and structural outcomes in patients with supraspinatus tendon tears. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: Patients undergoing ARCR from 19 centers were prospectively enrolled between June 2020 and November 2021. Full-thickness, nonmassive tears involving the supraspinatus tendon were included. Tears were classified as degenerative (chronic shoulder pain, no history of trauma) or traumatic (acute, traumatic onset, no previous shoulder pain). Range of motion, strength, the Subjective Shoulder Value, the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), and the Constant-Murley Score (CMS) were assessed before (baseline) and 6 and 12 months after ARCR. The Subjective Shoulder Value and the OSS were also determined at the 24-month follow-up. Repair integrity after 12 months was documented, as well as additional surgeries up to the 24-month follow-up. Tear groups were compared using mixed models adjusted for potential confounding effects. RESULTS: From a cohort of 973 consecutive patients, 421 patients (degenerative tear, n = 230; traumatic tear, n = 191) met the inclusion criteria. The traumatic tear group had lower mean baseline OSS and CMS scores but significantly greater score changes 12 months after ARCR (OSS, 18 [SD, 8]; CMS, 34 [SD,18] vs degenerative: OSS, 15 [SD, 8]; CMS, 22 [SD, 15]) (P < .001) and significantly higher 12-month overall scores (OSS, 44 [SD, 5]; CMS, 79 [SD, 9] vs degenerative: OSS, 42 [SD, 7]; CMS, 76 [SD, 12]) (P≤ .006). At the 24-month follow-up, neither the OSS (degenerative, 44 [SD, 6]; traumatic, 45 [SD, 6]; P = .346) nor the rates of repair failure (degenerative, 14 [6.1%]; traumatic 12 [6.3%]; P = .934) and additional surgeries (7 [3%]; 7 [3.7%]; P = .723) differed between groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with degenerative and traumatic full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tears who had ARCR show satisfactory short-term functional results. Although patients with traumatic tears have lower baseline functional scores, they rehabilitate over time and show comparable clinical results 1 year after ARCR. Similarly, degenerative and traumatic rotator cuff tears show comparable structural outcomes, which suggests that degenerated tendons retain healing potential.

MRI findings of traumatic and degenerative rotator cuff tears and introduction of the "cobra sign".

Background: A rotator cuff tear (RCT) is a common shoulder diagnosis and its etiology may be acute, traumatic, or chronic degenerative. Differentiation between the 2 etiologies may be important for multiple reasons, but remains difficult based on imaging. Further knowledge about radiographic and magnetic resonance findings to distinguish traumatic from degenerative RCT is needed. Methods: We analyzed magnetic resonance arthrograms (MRAs) of 96 patients with traumatic or degenerative superior RCT, which were matched according their age and the affected rotator cuff muscle into the 2 groups. Patients older than 66 years of age were excluded from the study to avoid including cases with pre-existing degeneration. In the case of traumatic RCT, the time between the trauma and MRA had to be less than 3 months. Various parameters of the supraspinatus (SSP) muscle-tendon unit were assessed (tendon thickness, presence of a remaining tendon stump at the greater tubercle, magnitude of retraction, layer appearance). The retraction of the 2 SSP layers were individually measured to determine the difference of retraction. Additionally, edema of the tendon and muscle, the tangent- and kinking-sign as well as the newly introduced Cobra-sign (bulging of the distal part of the ruptured tendon with slim configuration of the medial part of the tendon) were analyzed. Results: Edema within the SSP muscle (sensitivity 13%, specificity 100%, P = .011) or the tendon (sensitivity 86%, specificity 36%, P = .014) are more frequent in traumatic RCT. The same association was found for the kinking-sign (sensitivity 53%, specificity 71%, P = .018) and the Cobra sign (sensitivity 47%, specificity 84%, P = .001). Even though not statistically significant, tendencies were observed toward thicker tendon stumps in traumatic RCT, and greater difference in retraction between the 2 SSP layers in the degenerative group. The cohorts had no difference in the presence of a tendon stump at the greater tuberosity. Conclusion: Muscle and tendon edema, as well as tendon kinking appearance and the newly introduced cobra-sign are suitable MRA parameters to distinguish between traumatic and degenerative etiology of a superior RTC.

No difference in clinical outcome after rotator cuff repair performed within or later than 3 months after trauma: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Rotator cuff (RC) tear is one of the most common injuries of the shoulder. Patients with RC tears often report a trauma initiating shoulder pain and impaired function. The aim of this retrospective analysis of a prospectively registered cohort was to elucidate whether the time interval between the trauma and RC repair, using a cut off of 3 months, affects the functional outcome after 2 years. METHODS: In a single orthopedic unit, 819 consecutive patients were treated with rotator cuff repair during the period from 2010 to 2014 and 733 of the patients completed the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index preoperatively and at 2-year follow-up. The Constant-Murley (CM) score was completed by trained physiotherapists after a clinical examination both preoperatively and at 2-year follow-up. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in all patients and postoperatively in 65% of the included patients. Re-tears and partial repairs were excluded, as were patients with pseudoparalysis who were given high priority and underwent surgery during the first 3 weeks after trauma. RESULTS: Of the 733 treated patients, 437 (60%) reported having had a shoulder trauma in their medical history initiating their shoulder symptoms, and of these, 358 met the inclusion criteria. 296 patients with non-traumatic tears, 9 repairs done within 3 weeks after trauma, 25 partial repairs, 33 re-tears and 12 others were excluded. At 2-year follow-up there was no significant difference in WORC index (n.s.) or CM score (n.s.) between patients who had their RC repaired within or more than 3 months after trauma. In patients where RC repair was performed within 3 months, the WORC index improved by 42.9%, and in the group of patients operated later than 3 months, the increase was 38.7%. This difference between the groups was neither statistically significant (n.s.) nor clinically relevant. On postoperative MRI, 80% of the repairs were healed in both groups. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective cohort study, no differences in clinical outcome were found when RC repair was performed between 3 weeks and 3 months or later than 3 months after injury in patients describing their onset of symptoms as traumatic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Imaging of traumatic shoulder injuries - Understanding the surgeon's perspective.

Imaging plays a key role in the assessment and management of traumatic shoulder injuries, and it is important to understand how the imaging details help guide orthopedic surgeons in determining the role for surgical treatment. Imaging is also crucial in preoperative planning, the longitudinal assessment after surgery and the identification of complications after treatment. This review discusses the mechanisms of injury, key imaging findings, therapeutic options and associated complications for the most common shoulder injuries, tailored to the orthopedic surgeon's perspective.

Early versus delayed repair of traumatic rotator cuff tears. Does timing matter on outcomes?

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine if delay (before or after 4 months) in repairing a symptomatic traumatic rotator cuff tear affected clinical outcome, re-rupture rates and use of interpositional dermal grafts. METHODS: This was a case matched (age + tear size) series of patients who underwent an early (≤ 4 months) or delayed (> 4 months) rotator cuff repair following a traumatic tear. If a direct repair could not be achieved a dermal interposition graft was used. Outcomes were collected at a median time of 30 months post-operatively using the Oxford, Constant and EQ5D scores. RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent rotator cuff repair within 4 months (1-4) of injury. Twenty age and cuff tear size-matched patients were identified who had undergone a delayed repair (4.1-24 months) after injury. We found no significant difference (p > 0.05) in patient reported outcomes scores between the early and delayed repair. [Oxford scores; Early 43(13-48), Delayed 45 (31-48); Constant scores; Early 73 (21-94), Delayed 73.5 (44-87); EQ5D; Early 0.75 (0.25-1), Delayed 0.77 (0.4-1)]. Time to full recovery was significantly longer (14 vs 33.8 months) for the delayed repair group (P > 0.05). When cuff tears were subdivided into < 3 cm tears or ≥ 3 cm tears, no significant difference outcome scores were founds. However, use of dermal interposition graft was 44% in delayed group for tears ≥ 3 cm. No grafts were used in early repair group. There was one symptomatic re-tear in our series which was in the early repair group. CONCLUSION: When compared to the delayed repair group, patients that underwent early repair of traumatic rotator cuff tears had shorter time of recovery, and less need for allograft augmentation for tears 3 cm or greater. However, at mid-term follow-up, this study found no difference in patient reported outcomes following early versus delayed repair of traumatic rotator cuff tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Effects of 12 Weeks of Progressive Early Active Exercise Therapy After Surgical Rotator Cuff Repair: 12 Weeks and 1-Year Results From the CUT-N-MOVE Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears are typically managed surgically, followed by rehabilitation, but the load progression to reach an optimal clinical outcome during postoperative rehabilitation is unknown. PURPOSE: To evaluate whether there was a superior effect of 12 weeks of progressive active exercise therapy on shoulder function, pain, and quality of life compared with usual care. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: Patients with surgically repaired traumatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears were recruited from 2 orthopaedic departments and randomized to progressive active exercise therapy (PR) or limited passive exercise therapy (UC [usual care]). The primary outcome was the change in the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) score between groups from before surgery to 12 weeks after surgery. Secondary outcomes included changes in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score, pain, range of motion, and strength. Adverse events were registered during the intervention period. RESULTS: A total of 82 patients were randomized to the PR (n = 41) or UC (n = 41) group. All 82 patients (100%) participated in the 12-week assessment and 79 in the 1-year follow-up. At 12 weeks, there was no significant difference between the groups in the change in the WORC score from baseline adjusted for age, sex, and center (physical symptoms: P = .834; sports and recreation: P = .723; work: P = .541; lifestyle: P = .508; emotions: P = .568). Additionally, there was no between-group difference for the secondary outcomes including the WORC score at 1 year and the DASH score, pain, range of motion, and strength at 12 weeks and 1 year. Both groups showed significant improvements over time in all outcomes. In total, there were 13 retears (16%) at 1-year follow-up: 6 in the PR group and 7 in the UC group. CONCLUSION: PR did not result in superior patient-reported and objective outcomes compared with UC at either short- or long-term follow-up (12 weeks and 1 year). REGISTRATION: NCT02969135 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Comparison of the epidemiology and outcomes of traumatic and nontraumatic rotator cuff tears.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in the epidemiology and outcomes of traumatic and nontraumatic rotator cuff tears. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with traumatic and 46 with nontraumatic rotator cuff tears were included. RESULTS: The rate of injury to the long head of the biceps was significantly higher in the traumatic group. Preoperative active forward elevation was significantly lower in the traumatic group. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of both groups were good. This may have been because milder preoperative muscle atrophy and a shorter duration of symptoms were observed in the traumatic group.

Traumatic full-thickness transtendinous rotator cuff tears: a case series.

HYPOTHESIS: Our purpose was to describe an arthroscopic repair technique for and outcomes of traumatic transtendinous rotator cuff tears affecting the supraspinatus tendon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on a series of patients between January 2009 and January 2012. Demographic data, as well as preoperative and postoperative clinical data including strength, visual analog scale pain score, Subjective Shoulder Value, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Simple Shoulder Test score, were obtained. RESULTS: Seven patients were identified with magnetic resonance imaging showing full-thickness, transtendon supraspinatus tears with extension into the infraspinatus, which were consistent with physical examination and arthroscopic findings. The mechanism of injury was traumatic in all cases, usually a fall with the arm abducted. The mean remaining stump of tendon measured 1.3 cm. All patients underwent open or arthroscopic repair by a side-to-side (tendon-to-tendon) technique with additional suture anchor augmentation. At an average follow-up of 41.5 months (range, 33-50 months), all patients had postoperative improvements in strength and visual analog scale pain scores (range, 0-1), as well as Subjective Shoulder Value, Simple Shoulder Test, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores greater than 90. CONCLUSION: We have described the occurrence of a rare rotator cuff tear in the purely tendinous portion of the muscle, leaving at least 1 cm of tendon attached to an intact footprint. We also have presented an arthroscopic side-to-side repair technique and postoperative outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the first article describing this uncommon rotator cuff tear.

Similar results comparing early and late surgery in open repair of traumatic rotator cuff tears.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to investigate whether surgical repair earlier or later than 3 months after injury may result in similar outcomes and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Seventy-three patients (75 shoulders, 58 males, mean age 59) who had undergone surgical intervention for traumatic rotator cuff tears from 1999 to 2011 were assessed by MRI, clinical examination and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) as a primary outcome measure and Oxford Shoulder score (OSS), Constant-Murley score (CS) and EQ-5D as secondary. The patients treated less than 3 months after injury (n = 39) were compared with patients treated more than 3 months after injury (n = 36). The average follow-up time was 56 months (range 14-149), and the average time from injury to repair for all patients was 16 weeks (range 3-104). A single senior radiologist performed a blinded evaluation of all the MRIs. Rotator cuff integrity, presence of arthritis, fatty degeneration and muscle atrophy were evaluated. RESULTS: No differences were found for any of the assessed outcomes (WORC, OSS, CS and EQ-5D) between the two groups. The mean WORC % was 77 % for both groups. Re-tear frequency was 24 %, nine in both groups. Patients with re-tear reported less satisfaction with their outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment of symptomatic traumatic rotator cuff tears repairable later than 3 months after injury yields a good functional outcome, a high level of subjective patient satisfaction, and at the same level for patients receiving earlier treatment. Based on our findings, surgical repair could be encouraged whenever technically possible. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective Comparative Study, Level III.

Treatment of non-traumatic rotator cuff tears: A randomised controlled trial with one-year clinical results.

We have compared three different methods of treating symptomatic non-traumatic tears of the supraspinatus tendon in patients above 55 years of age. A total of 180 shoulders (173 patients) with supraspinatus tendon tears were randomly allocated into one of three groups (each of 60 shoulders); physiotherapy (group 1), acromioplasty and physiotherapy (group 2) and rotator cuff repair, acromioplasty and physiotherapy (group 3). The Constant score was assessed and followed up by an independent observer pre-operatively and at three, six and twelve months after the intervention. Of these, 167 shoulders were available for assessment at one year (follow-up rate of 92.8%). There were 55 shoulders in group 1 (24 in males and 31 in females, mean age 65 years (55 to 79)), 57 in group 2 (29 male and 28 female, mean age 65 years (55 to 79)) and 55 shoulders in group 3 (26 male and 29 female, mean age 65 years (55 to 81)). There were no between-group differences in the Constant score at final follow-up: 74.1 (sd 14.2), 77.2 (sd 13.0) and 77.9 (sd 12.1) in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively (p = 0.34). The mean change in the Constant score was 17.0, 17.5, and 19.8, respectively (p = 0.34). These results suggest that at one-year follow-up, operative treatment is no better than conservative treatment with regard to non-traumatic supraspinatus tears, and that conservative treatment should be considered as the primary method of treatment for this condition.

Occult interpositional rotator cuff - an extremely rare case of traumatic rotator cuff tear.

Traumatic interposition of a rotator cuff tendon in the glenohumeral joint without recognizable glenohumeral dislocation is an unusual complication after shoulder trauma. Here we report the clinical and imaging presentations of a 17-year-old man with trapped rotator cuff tendons in the glenohumeral joint after a bicycle accident. The possible trauma mechanism is also discussed.

Occult Interpositional Rotator Cuff - an Extremely Rare Case of Traumatic Rotator Cuff Tear

Traumatic interposition of a rotator cuff tendon in the glenohumeral joint without recognizable glenohumeral dislocation is an unusual complication after shoulder trauma. Here we report the clinical and imaging presentations of a 17-year-old man with trapped rotator cuff tendons in the glenohumeral joint after a bicycle accident. The possible trauma mechanism is also discussed.