Supraspinatus tendon reconstruction using open infraspinatus tendon shift and autologous biceps tendon interposition grafts

Abstract Introduction Inferior tendon quality, wide retraction, and tendon stumps that cannot be mobilized define the limits of what is technically feasible for open and arthroscopic rotator cuff reconstruction. The aim of this study was to develop a procedure that enables the open reconstruction of otherwise non-reconstructable rotator cuff tears. Methods From 2014 to 2018, 23 operations were performed on 21 patients (mean age 63) using open procedure involving separating the infraspinatus tendon from the point of insertion on the greater tubercle and mobilizing it proximally and ventrally into the defective area. Any remaining defects were augmented using an autologous biceps tendon interposition graft. This augmentation was performed to achieve complete closure of the defect. Furthermore, the augmentation of the rupture zone was intended to strengthen the tendon stumps of the SSP and ISP to better neutralize the initial tensile forces. After a postoperative period of 12 months–4 years, clinical examination and functional tests were carried out, the Constant score was determined, and radiological and magnetic resonance imaging check-up examinations were performed. Results The technique resulted in a low-tension closure of an otherwise “non-repairable” superior rotator cuff defect. All patients experienced a significant functional improvement, a reduction in pain, and an increase in muscle strength. An improvement in the Constant score from 48 points preoperatively to 87 points postoperatively (p < 0.05) was observed. In 19 patients (90%), the magnetic resonance image showed an intact reconstruction. Re-rupture was seen in three patients (14%). Conclusion The surgical procedure using infraspinatus tendon shift and autologous biceps tendon interposition grafts resulted in the successful reconstruction of otherwise non-reconstructable massive rotator cuff lesions. The complete closure of the defect was observed.

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Arthroscopic Side-to-Side Repair of Massive Rotator Cuff Tears Maintains Adequate Functional Improvement at 12 to 14 Years’ Follow-up

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546520985224 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 49 (2) ◽

pp. 298-304

Author(s):

Marie Caroline Merlet ◽

Virginie Guinet ◽

Thomas Rousseau ◽

Floris van Rooij ◽

Mo Saffarini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Constant Score ◽

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty ◽

Case Series ◽

Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

Functional Improvement ◽

Shoulder Injuries ◽

Massive Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

Ultrasound Assessment

Background: Rotator cuff tears are common shoulder injuries that often cause pain and loss of function. Nonanatomic side-to-side techniques facilitate repair by minimizing tensions within tendons to improve healing and optimize the thickness of sutured tissues. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose was to evaluate long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of arthroscopic side-to-side repair of massive rotator cuff tears (mRCTs). The hypothesis was that, at a minimum follow-up of 12 years, arthroscopic side-to-side repair maintains clinically important improvements. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The authors reviewed records of all patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of mRCTs over 2 consecutive years. A total of 30 adult patients met the eligibility criteria and underwent side-to-side repair. Patients were evaluated clinically using the Constant score (CS) and ultrasound to assess retears at 3 timepoints after surgery: 2 to 4 years, 5 to 7 years, and 12 to 14 years. Results: At first follow-up (3.2 ± 0.5 years), all 30 patients had clinical and ultrasound assessment, which revealed 13 retears (43%). At second follow-up (6.2 ± 0.5 years), all 30 patients had clinical and ultrasound assessment, which revealed 2 new retears (total 50%). At final follow-up (13.0 ± 0.7 years), only 21 patients had clinical assessment (1 died and 8 could not be reached), and only 19 patients had ultrasound assessment, which revealed 6 new retears (total 79%). Both absolute CS and age-/sex-adjusted CS improved significantly from baseline values at first follow-up (73.5 and 96.6, respectively), and remained stable at second follow-up (69.0 and 91.9, respectively), and final follow-up (64.4 and 87.0, respectively). Compared to shoulders with intact repairs, those with retears tended to have lower absolute CS at all follow-up visits, although differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Patients with mRCTs maintain satisfactory clinical scores at 12 to 14 years after arthroscopic side-to-side repair despite a high incidence of retears. Repair is a safe and effective treatment for mRCTs, providing a less invasive and less complex alternative to reverse shoulder arthroplasty and tendon transfer procedures.

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The Arthroscopic Intra-Articular Stabilization of the Shoulder for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear: A New Technique Proposal

Frontiers in Surgery ◽

10.3389/fsurg.2021.624100 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Pierfrancesco Luciani ◽

Luca Farinelli ◽

Luca De Berardinis ◽

Antonio Gigante

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Humeral Head ◽

Biceps Tendon ◽

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty ◽

Supraspinatus Tendon ◽

Biomechanical Study ◽

Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

Rotator Cuff Injuries ◽

Superior Capsular Reconstruction ◽

Significant Difference

Background: Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) has shown good results in the management of irreparable rotator cuff tears due to the depressive effect on the humeral head, but it is a technically demanding and expensive procedure.Purpose: We hypothesized that an intra-articular neoligament that prevents the superior translation of the humeral head could give similar results in terms of the superior translation of humerus (STH) and range of motion (ROM).Study Design: To compare our proposed technique and the SCR, we conducted a biomechanical study on 10 porcine shoulders in a custom shoulder testing system.Methods: STH and total rotational ROM were quantified in the following four scenarios: (1) when the rotator cuff was intact, (2) after cutting the supraspinatus tendon, (3) after the reconstruction of the superior capsule by long head of the biceps tendon (LHB), and (4) after an arthroscopic intra-articular stabilization by an intra-articular graft. Our proposed technique provides the creation of a humeral and glenoid tunnel, the passage of a graft through these tunnels under arthroscopic guidance, and the graft fixation in the two tunnels. We analyzed the STH and total ROM in each scenario.Results: With respect to the STH, we reported that the present proposed technique is characterized by a significant reduction of superior translation at 0 and 45° compared to scenario 2. In addition, the comparison between our proposed technique and SCR showed a significant difference of the STH at 0° of abduction. Total rotational ROMs of the two tenchinques were similar to scenario 2. Therefore, the use of an intra-articular ligament that prevents the STH can restore shoulder stability in irreparable rotator cuff injuries at both 0 and 45° of glenohumeral abduction without apparently limiting the total rotational ROM.Conclusion: Our proposed technique could be an important treatment option in irreparable rotator cuff tears, especially in patients under 65 years in whom reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has shown poor results and many complications.

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A meta-analysis comparing tenotomy or tenodesis for lesions of the long head of the biceps tendon with concomitant reparable rotator cuff tears

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research ◽

10.1186/s13018-019-1429-x ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Yuyan Na ◽

Yong Zhu ◽

Yuting Shi ◽

Yizhong Ren ◽

Ting Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Constant Score ◽

Biceps Tendon ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Risk Of Bias ◽

Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

Biceps Tenodesis ◽

Biceps Tenotomy ◽

Long Head ◽

Supination Strength

Abstract Background The best treatment for lesions of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) with concomitant reparable rotator cuff tears is still controversial. The purpose of the meta-analysis was to compare clinical outcomes of biceps tenotomy and tenodesis for LHBT lesions. Methods A literature retrieval was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library from 1979 to March 2018. Comparative studies (level of evidence I or II) comparing tenotomy and tenodesis for LHBT lesions with concomitant reparable rotator cuff tears were included. Risk of bias for all included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. Clinical outcomes compared were Popeye sign, Constant score, VAS pain score, cramping pain, elbow flexion and forearm supination strength, and re-tear of the rotator cuff. Results Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and five prospective cohort studies (PCS) with 288 biceps tenotomy patients and 303 biceps tenodesis patients were included in this review. Tenotomy resulted in significantly greater rates of Popeye sign (RR, 2.70 [95% CI, 1.80 to 4.04]; P < 0.01) and a less favorable Constant score (MD, − 1.09 [95% CI, − 1.90 to − 0.28]; P < 0.01) compared to tenodesis. No significant heterogeneity was found between the two groups across all parameters except forearm supination strength. Conclusions The current evidence indicates that biceps tenodesis for LHBT lesions with concomitant reparable rotator cuff tears results in decreased rate of Popeye sign and improved Constant score compared to biceps tenotomy. Trial registration PROSPERO, CRD42018105504. Registered on 13 August 2018.

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Porcine Dermal Xenograft as Augmentation in the Treatment of Large Rotator Cuff Tears: Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Results at 2-Year Follow-Up

Joints ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1676106 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 06 (03) ◽

pp. 135-140 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Alessandro Castagna ◽

Eugenio Cesari ◽

Berardo Di Matteo ◽

Marcello Osimani ◽

Raffaele Garofalo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Magnetic Resonance ◽

Rotator Cuff ◽

Constant Score ◽

Arthroscopic Repair ◽

Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

Functional Score ◽

Collagen Membrane ◽

Low Grade ◽

Porcine Dermal Collagen

Purpose The aim of the present retrospective study is to describe the results obtained at 2-year follow-up by using a porcine dermis-derived collagen membrane implanted as augmentation to treat large rotator cuff tears. Methods Thirty-five patients in total were included according to the following criteria: large or massive rotator cuff tear, confirmed during surgery, measuring between 3 and 5 cm in width and stage 1 to 2 fatty infiltration documented at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients underwent arthroscopic repair of the cuff augmented by the implantation of a porcine dermal collagen membrane. Patients were evaluated up to 24 months after surgery by the Constant score and MRI imaging to assess functional outcomes and re-tear rate. The results obtained were compared to those of a matched cohort of 35 patients operated by arthroscopic repair alone by the same surgical team. Results The application of the porcine membrane proved to be safe without scaffold-related adverse events documented. A statistically significant difference in the Constant score in favor of the treatment group was documented at the final evaluation (p = 0.036). Furthermore, a subgroup analysis revealed that patients treated by augmentation and presenting re-tear at MRI showed a significantly higher functional outcome compared with control patients with MRI evidence of re-tear (p = 0.0136). Conclusion Arthroscopic repair augmented by porcine dermal xenograft for the treatment of chronic and retracted rotator cuff tears with low-grade fatty degeneration proved to be safe and also effective, with higher functional score compared with the arthroscopic repair alone. Level of Evidence This is a Level III, retrospective cohort study.

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Can ultrasound suffice for triaging patients requiring surgical correction of rotator cuff tears—a comparative evaluation of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging

Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine ◽

10.1186/s43055-021-00477-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Aniket Agarwal ◽

Kavita Vani ◽

Anurag Batta ◽

Kavita Verma ◽

Shishir Chumber

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Biceps Tendon ◽

Surgical Correction ◽

Statistical Testing ◽

Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

Full Thickness ◽

Partial Thickness ◽

Linear Probe ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Sensitivity Specificity

Abstract Background Objectives: To comparatively evaluate the role of ultrasound and MRI in rotator cuff and biceps tendon pathologies and to establish ultrasound as a consistently reproducible, quick and accurate primary investigation modality sufficient to triage patients requiring surgical correction of full thickness rotator cuff tears. Methods: Fifty patients, clinically suspected to have rotator cuff and/or biceps tendon pathologies, with no contraindications to MRI, were evaluated by US and MRI, in a prospective cross-sectional observational study. US was done with high-frequency linear probe, and MRI was done on a 1.5-T scanner using T1 oblique sagittal, proton density (PD)/T2 fat-suppressed (FS) oblique sagittal, T1 axial, PD/T2 FS axial, T1 oblique coronal, T2 oblique coronal and PD FS oblique coronal sequences. Statistical testing was conducted with the statistical package for the social science system version SPSS 17.0. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy were also calculated to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of US findings correlating with MRI findings. A p value less than 0.05 was taken to indicate a significant difference. Results Mean age was 45 years; 74% patients were males; 77% females and 60% males had tears. Majority of patients with rotator cuff tears were in the sixth decade of life. The frequency of tears was higher among older patients. Fourteen percent of patients had full thickness tears while 64% had partial thickness tears. US was comparable to MRI for detection of full thickness tears with overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV and accuracy of 93.8%, 100%, 100% and 98.2%, respectively (p value < 0.001). For partial thickness tears, US had overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV and accuracy of 75.6%, 82.6%, 89.5% and 78%, respectively (p value < 0.001), as compared to MRI. Subacromial-subdeltoid bursal effusion and long head of biceps tendon sheath effusion were common associated, though, non-specific findings. Conclusion Ultrasound findings in our study were found to be in significant correlation with findings on MRI in detection of rotator cuff tears. US was equivalent to MRI in detection of full thickness tears and fairly accurate for partial thickness tears. Therefore, US should be considered as the first line of investigation for rotator cuff pathologies.

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Radiographic greater tuberosity spurs and narrow acromio-humeral intervals are associated with advanced retraction of the supraspinatus tendon in patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tears

JSES International ◽

10.1016/j.jseint.2020.09.015 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Hao-Chun Chuang ◽

Chih-Kai Hong ◽

Kai-Lan Hsu ◽

Fa-Chuan Kuan ◽

Chen-Hao Chiang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Supraspinatus Tendon ◽

Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

Greater Tuberosity

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The Impact of Smoking on Clinical Results Following the Rotator Cuff and Biceps Tendon Complex Arthroscopic Surgery

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10040599 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 599

Author(s):

Jan Zabrzyński ◽

Gazi Huri ◽

Maciej Gagat ◽

Łukasz Łapaj ◽

Alper Yataganbaba ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Shoulder Arthroscopy ◽

Smoking Status ◽

Biceps Tendon ◽

Arthroscopic Surgery ◽

Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

Shoulder Injuries ◽

The Impact

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of smoking and functional outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of complex shoulder injuries: rotator cuff tears (RCTs) with biceps tendon (LHBT) tears. This retrospective case-control study has been conducted on a cohort of patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy between 2015 and 2017 due to complex injury treatment. The outcomes were assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES), the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score, need for non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) consumption and the visual analog scale (VAS). Complications and changes in smoking status were also noted. A cohort of 59 patients underwent shoulder arthroscopy, due to complex LHBT pathology and RCTs, and were enrolled in the final follow-up examination; with mean duration of 26.03 months. According to smoking status, 27 of patients were classified as smokers, and the remaining 32 were non-smokers. In the examined cohort, 36 patients underwent the LHBT tenotomy and 23 tenodesis. We observed a relationship between smoking status and distribution of various RCTs (p < 0.0001). The mean postoperative ASES and UCLA scores were 80.81 and 30.18 in the smoker’s group and 84.06 and 30.93 in the non-smoker’s group, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in pre/postoperative ASES and postoperative UCLA scores between smokers and non-smokers (p > 0.05). The VAS was significantly lower in the non-smokers’ group (p = 0.0021). Multi-tendon injuries of the shoulder are a serious challenge for surgeons, and to obtain an excellent functional outcome, we need to limit the negative risk factors, including smoking. Furthermore, there is a significant association between smoking and the occurrence of massive rotator cuff tears, and the pain level measured by the VAS. Simultaneous surgical treatment of RC and LHBT lesions in the smoker population allowed us to obtain the functional outcomes approximated to non-smokers in the long-term follow-up. Of course, we cannot assert that smoking is the real cause of all complications, however, we may assume that this is a very important, negative factor in shoulder arthroscopy.

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Freeze-dried chitosan-platelet-rich plasma implants improve supraspinatus tendon attachment in a transosseous rotator cuff repair model in the rabbit

Journal of Biomaterials Applications ◽

10.1177/0885328218811386 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 33 (6) ◽

pp. 792-807 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Gabrielle Deprés-Tremblay ◽

Anik Chevrier ◽

Martyn Snow ◽

Scott Rodeo ◽

Michael D Buschmann

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Rotator Cuff Repair ◽

Platelet Rich Plasma ◽

Rabbit Model ◽

Supraspinatus Tendon ◽

Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

Polymorphonuclear Cells ◽

Post Surgery ◽

Freeze Dried ◽

Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff tears result in shoulder pain, stiffness, weakness and loss of motion. After surgical repair, high failure rates have been reported based on objective imaging and it is recognized that current surgical treatments need improvement. The aim of the study was to assess whether implants composed of freeze-dried chitosan (CS) solubilized in autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can improve rotator cuff repair in a rabbit model. Complete tears were created bilaterally in the supraspinatus tendon of New Zealand White rabbits ( n = 4 in a pilot feasibility study followed by n = 13 in a larger efficacy study), which were repaired using transosseous suturing. On the treated side, CS-PRP implants were injected into the transosseous tunnels and the tendon itself, and healing was assessed histologically at time points ranging from one day to two months post-surgery. CS-PRP implants were resident within transosseous tunnels and adhered to tendon surfaces at one day post-surgery and induced recruitment of polymorphonuclear cells from 1 to 14 days. CS-PRP implants improved attachment of the supraspinatus tendon to the humeral head through increased bone remodelling at the greater tuberosity and also inhibited heterotopic ossification of the supraspinatus tendon at two months. In addition, the implants did not induce any detectable deleterious effects. This preliminary study provides the first evidence that CS-PRP implants could be effective in improving rotator cuff tendon attachment in a small animal model.

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Supraspinatus-to-Glenoid Contact Occurs During Standardized Overhead Reaching Motion

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/23259671211036908 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 232596712110369

Author(s):

Gaura Saini ◽

Rebekah L. Lawrence ◽

Justin L. Staker ◽

Jonathan P. Braman ◽

Paula M. Ludewig

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Supraspinatus Tendon ◽

Contact Angles ◽

Magnetic Resonance Images ◽

Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

Internal Impingement ◽

Glenoid Morphology ◽

Minimum Distances ◽

The Relationship

Background: Rotator cuff tears may result from repeated mechanical deformation of the cuff tendons, and internal impingement of the supraspinatus tendon against the glenoid is one such proposed mechanism of deformation. Purpose: To (1) describe the changing proximity of the supraspinatus tendon to the glenoid during a simulated overhead reaching task and (2) determine the relationship between scapular morphology and this proximity. Additionally, the patterns of supraspinatus-to-glenoid proximity were compared with previously described patterns of supraspinatus-to-coracoacromial arch proximity. Study Design: Descriptive laboratory study. Methods: Shoulder models were created from magnetic resonance images of 20 participants. Standardized kinematics were imposed on the models to simulate functional reaching, and the minimum distances between the supraspinatus tendon and the glenoid and the supraspinatus footprint and the glenoid were calculated every 5° between 0° and 150° of humerothoracic elevation. The angle at which contact between the supraspinatus and the glenoid occurred was documented. Additionally, the relationship between glenoid morphology (version and inclination) and the contact angle was evaluated. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the minimum distances, and glenoid morphology was assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients and simple linear regressions. Results: The minimum distances between the tendon and the glenoid and between the footprint and the glenoid decreased as elevation increased. Contact between the tendon and the glenoid occurred in all participant models at a mean elevation of 123° ± 10°. Contact between the footprint and the glenoid occurred in 13 of 20 models at a mean of 139° ± 10°. Less glenoid retroversion was associated with lower tendon-to-glenoid contact angles ( r = –0.76; R 2 = 0.58; P < .01). Conclusion: This study found that the supraspinatus tendon progressively approximated the glenoid during simulated overhead reaching. Additionally, all participant models eventually made contact with the glenoid by 150° of humerothoracic elevation, although anatomic factors influenced the precise angle at which contact occurred. Clinical Relevance: Contact between the supraspinatus and the glenoid may occur frequently within the range of elevation required for overhead activities. Therefore, internal impingement may be a prevalent mechanism for rotator cuff deformation that could contribute to cuff pathology.

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