Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction (ASCR) with Mesh Augmentation for the Treatment of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Preliminary Comparative Study of the Surgical Outcome

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (7) ◽  
pp. e442-e443
Author(s):  
Erica Kholinne ◽  
Kyoung-Hwan Koh ◽  
In-Ho Jeon
2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (13) ◽  
pp. 3328-3338
Author(s):  
Erica Kholinne ◽  
Jae-Man Kwak ◽  
Hyojune Kim ◽  
Kyoung Hwan Koh ◽  
In-Ho Jeon

Background: Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) is an alternative to open surgery for irreparable chronic rotator cuff tears (RCTs). This approach can provide static restraint while avoiding upward migration of the humeral head. However, graft tears and their effect on clinical outcomes after ASCR remain a debated topic. Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of ASCR with mesh augmentation for the treatment of irreparable RCTs. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The data of 72 patients with irreparable RCTs who underwent ASCR between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. Among them, 64 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Fascia lata grafts augmented with a polypropylene mesh were used for 30 patients (mesh group), and grafts without mesh augmentation were used for 34 patients (control group). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using range of motion, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) questionnaire, and visual analog scale for pain. Radiological outcomes were evaluated according to acromiohumeral distance and stage of rotator cuff arthropathy. The status of fatty infiltration and graft integrity was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Results: Both groups showed improvement in clinical and radiological outcomes at the final follow-up. The mesh group demonstrated a larger improvement in ASES score (mean ± SD, 29.1 ± 15.8) than the control group (18.1 ± 15.9) ( P = .006). The mean improvement in active forward flexion was significantly higher in mesh group (40°± 26°) than in control group (28°± 23°) ( P = .003). The mean improvement in active external rotation was also significantly higher in the mesh group (11°± 5°) than in the control group (6°± 3°) ( P = .004). Graft healing rate was significantly higher in the mesh group (83.3%) than in the control group (58.8%) ( P = .039), and acromiohumeral distance was significantly greater in the mesh group (9.1 ± 2.4 mm) than in the control group (6.3 ± 1.8 mm) at the final follow-up ( P = .001). Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with graft failure generally showed progression of fatty infiltration without improvement in the stage of rotator cuff arthropathy. Patients with intact grafts demonstrated a more substantial improvement in functional outcomes (ASES score and forward flexion motion). Conclusion: ASCR with mesh augmentation reduced graft failure rate to restore superior shoulder joint stability.


2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110246
Author(s):  
Erica Kholinne ◽  
Jae-Man Kwak ◽  
Chang-Ho Cho ◽  
Khalid AlSomali ◽  
Thanh Van Nguyen ◽  
...  

Background: Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) is a method for treating irreparable chronic rotator cuff tears. However, the extent to which ASCR can be performed with regard to the patient’s age has yet to be determined. Purpose: To compare the surgical outcomes of ASCR for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs) in patients aged <65 years versus patients aged ≥65 years. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Of 105 patients with IRCTs who underwent ASCR between March 2013 and June 2020, 73 patients were enrolled in this study based on the selection criteria. Polypropylene mesh augmentation to the graft was used in 18 of 36 patients in the younger adults group (age, <65 years) and 20 of 37 patients in the older adults group (age, ≥65 years). The clinical and radiological outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at the final clinical follow-up. The graft integrity status was evaluated using serial magnetic resonance imaging and set as the primary endpoint. Furthermore, subgroup analysis was performed based on age group and graft type. Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.2 ± 3.8 years in the younger adults group and 70.5 ± 4.1 years in the older adults group. Both groups showed improvement based on the clinical and radiological outcomes at the final follow-up. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores improved from 52.3 ± 15.4 to 77.3 ± 13.5 in the younger adults group ( P < .001) and from 45.7 ± 16.1 to 76.6 ± 11.4 in the older adults group ( P < .001). The mean visual analog scale for pain scores improved from 5.5 ± 1.2 to 2.1 ± 0.9 in the younger adults group ( P < .001) and from 5.5 ± 1.4 to 2.1 ± 1.2 in the older adults group ( P < .001). The graft healing rate was significantly higher in the younger adults group (81%) than in the older adults group (65%) ( P = .049). Subgroup analysis showed that after mesh augmentation, the healing rate in the younger adults group (84%) was similar to that in the older adults group (85%) ( P = .299). Conclusion: ASCR resulted in a favorable surgical outcome for both younger and older adult patients with IRCT. The younger patients had lower graft failure rates and superior surgical outcomes. In older patients, ASCR using polypropylene mesh augmentation may reduce graft failure and result in surgical outcomes similar to those in younger patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Protais ◽  
Maxime Laurent-Perrot ◽  
Mickaël Artuso ◽  
M. Christian Moody ◽  
Alain Sautet ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Irreparable rotator cuff tears are common and difficult to treat. Techniques for “filling the loss of substance” require fixation to the rotator cuff stump (tendon augmentation) or to the glenoid (superior capsular reconstruction), which are complicated by the narrow working zone of the subacromial space. The main objective of this study was to determine whether a braided graft of gracilis (GR) and semitendinosus (ST) could fill a loss of tendon substance from an irreparable rupture of the supra- and infraspinatus, by fixing the graft to the greater tuberosity and the spine of the scapula. Methods This was a cadaveric study with the use of ten specimens. The GRA and ST tendons were harvested, braided and reinforced with suture. An experimental tear of the supraspinatus (SS) and upper infraspinatus (IS) retracted at the glenoid was made. The GRAST transplant was positioned over the tear. The transplant was attached to the greater tuberosity by two anchors and then attached to the medial third of the scapular spine by trans-osseous stitching. The percentage of filling obtained was then measured and passive mobility of the shoulder was assessed. We proceeded to the same technique under arthroscopy for a 73 years old patient whom we treated for a painful shoulder with irreparable cuff tear. We inserted a GRAST graft using arthroscopy. Results The Braided-GRAST allowed a 100% filling of the loss of tendon substance. Mobility was complete in all cases. Conclusion This technique simplifies the medial fixation and restores the musculo-tendinous chain where current grafting techniques only fill a tendinous defect. The transplant could have a subacromial “spacer” effect and lower the humeral head. The donor site morbidity and the fate of the transplant in-vivo are two limits to be discussed. This anatomical study paves the way for clinical experimentation.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. 232596711880538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Trevor J. Carver ◽  
Matthew J. Kraeutler ◽  
John R. Smith ◽  
Jonathan T. Bravman ◽  
Eric C. McCarty

Massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears (MIRCTs) provide a significant dilemma for orthopaedic surgeons. One treatment option for MIRCTs is reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. However, other methods of treating these massive tears have been developed. A search of the current literature on nonoperative management, arthroscopic debridement, partial repair, superior capsular reconstruction (SCR), graft interposition, balloon spacer arthroplasty, trapezius transfer, and latissimus dorsi transfer for MIRCTs was performed. Studies that described each surgical technique and reported on clinical outcomes were included in this review. Arthroscopic debridement may provide pain relief by removing damaged rotator cuff tissue, but no functional repair is performed. Partial repair has been suggested as a technique to restore shoulder functionality by repairing as much of the rotator cuff tendon as possible. This technique has demonstrated improved clinical outcomes but also fails at a significantly high rate. SCR has recently gained interest as a method to prohibit superior humeral head translation and has been met with encouraging early clinical outcomes. Graft interposition bridges the gap between the retracted tendon and humerus. Balloon spacer arthroplasty has also been recently proposed and acts to prohibit humeral head migration by placing a biodegradable saline-filled spacer between the humeral head and acromion; it has been shown to provide good clinical outcomes. Both trapezius and latissimus dorsi transfer techniques involve transferring the tendon of these respective muscles to the greater tuberosity of the humerus; these 2 techniques have shown promising restoration in shoulder function, especially in a younger, active population. Arthroscopic debridement, partial repair, SCR, graft interposition, balloon spacer arthroplasty, trapezius transfer, and latissimus dorsi transfer have all been shown to improve clinical outcomes for patients presenting with MIRCTs. Randomized controlled trials are necessary for confirming the efficacy of these procedures and to determine when each is indicated based on specific patient and anatomic factors.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7_suppl4) ◽  
pp. 2325967118S0010
Author(s):  
John M. Tokish ◽  
Michael J. Kissenberth ◽  
Ellen Shanley ◽  
Stefan John Tolan ◽  
Kyle J. Adams ◽  
...  

Objectives: Early results following arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction(SCR) in patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears are promising. However, no studies have compared patient reported outcomes between SCR or reverse total shoulder(rTSA) and rotator cuff debridement for these patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare 1-year outcomes between patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears who underwent a SCR, rTSA, or rotator cuff debridement with a concurrent biceps tenotomy or tenodesis. Methods: Patients(n=63) who underwent either SCR(n=21), rTSA(21), or cuff debridement(n=21) and biceps tenotomy or tenodesis for a massive, irreparable rotator cuff tear treated with a minimum 1-year follow up were retrospectively reviewed. Age, sex, BMI, smoking status, Charlson Index, Hamada classification, and ASES scores were recorded and compared using a multivariate ANOVA were used to compare between surgical approaches. A Chi Square analyses were used to compare sex distribution and the Charlson Deyo Index between groups (α=0.05). Results: Overall, patients across the 3 groups were not statistically different in age or follow up ASES score at minimum 14 month follow up ( P> 0.05). There was a significant interaction effect between surgery group and sex (P=0.02) on ASES score but not age ( P=0.08). Univariate F tests revealed that male patients who received an SCR displayed a 10-14% better outcome at follow up compared to other groups (Table 1) which exceeds the reported ASES score MCID. Conclusion: Our results show comparable results across surgical options for massive irreparable cuff tears with good patient reported outcomes. Male patients displayed clinically important greater ASES scores at 1 year follow up. Future studies should evaluate these preliminary results to assess if these preliminary results hold up at longer follow up times.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967119S0027
Author(s):  
Brandon C. Cabarcas ◽  
Grant Hoerig Garcia ◽  
Joseph Liu ◽  
Gregory Louis Cvetanovich ◽  
Anirudh K. Gowd ◽  
...  

Objectives: Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) is a relatively new procedure to address irreparable rotator cuff tears and rotator cuff arthropathy. Biomechanical studies have produced favorable results on cadaveric models, but few studies have evaluated clinical outcomes, and none have addressed return to sport (RTS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate rates of RTS and functional outcomes after SCR compared to a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) matched cohort. Methods: A prospectively collected registry was queried retrospectively for consecutive patients who underwent SCR from 2015 to 2016. Inclusion criteria were ≥2 tendon irreparable rotator cuff tear by arthroscopic evaluation and minimum one-year follow up. All eligible SCR patients were matched by gender, age, handedness, and follow up time to patients that underwent rTSA with a similar preoperative diagnosis. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon at one institution with consistent operative techniques. Patients were evaluated with the ASES questionnaire, VAS Pain Scale, as well as VR/SF-12 and VR6D. Patients were also administered a detailed outcomes survey regarding surgical history and return to sport and work activities. Results: Overall 75.0% of 32 eligible patients were available at follow up. Average age at surgery and follow up did not significantly differ between cohorts (p>0.500 both). Postoperative outcome scores for ASES, VAS, VR/SF-12, and VR6D did not differ (p>0.310 for all) between cohorts. Overall RTS rate was 77.8% for SCR and 87.5% for rTSA (p > 0.610). Average months to return to sports was significantly greater after SCR (7.3 ± 3.0) compared to rTSA (3.5 ± 2.2; p = 0.032). Patients in both cohorts participated in golf, weight-lifting, gym activity, basketball and cycling postoperatively. Direct RTS for these sports are displayed in Fig. 1. Return to work rate was 71.4% (10/14) SCR and 50.0% (4/8) rTSA (p = 0.326) at average 2.7 ± 2.8 and 1.9 ± 1.9 months, respectively (p = 0.591). Stratified by duty status, rates of return to work were sedentary (100% both SCR and rTSA), light (100% both SCR and rTSA), moderate (0% SCR and 66.67% rTSA), and heavy (0% both SCR and rTSA). Overall, 85.71% SCR patients and 90.0% rTSA patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their general postoperative outcome. Conclusion: At short-term follow-up, SCR patients had RTS rates comparable to rTSA patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears. However, time to RTS was more prolonged after SCR. Outcome scores did not significantly differ between the two cohorts, suggesting that SCR may achieve postoperative function and pain reduction similar to rTSA at one year. Return to work was also similar, although rates were not as high as return to sport. When stratified by duty status, return to more intense physical work demands was not consistent in either cohort. Despite this, over 85% of SCR and rTSA patients were satisfied postoperatively. The findings of this study demonstrate that SCR patients have high RTS levels, as well as similar functional outcomes and satisfaction compared to rTSA for irreparable rotator cuff tears. Clinicians can utilize this information for preoperative counseling, particularly with younger more athletic patients, considering SCR or rTSA for an irreparable rotator cuff tear.


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