Clinical Outcomes, Tendon Integrity, and Shoulder Strength After Revision Rotator Cuff Reconstruction: A Minimum 2 Years’ Follow-up

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (11) ◽  
pp. 2700-2706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukas Willinger ◽  
Lucca Lacheta ◽  
Knut Beitzel ◽  
Stefan Buchmann ◽  
Klaus Woertler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rotator Cuff ◽  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Constant Score ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Outcome Scores ◽  
Retear Rate

Background: The retear rate after primary rotator cuff (RC) reconstruction is high and commonly leads to poorer clinical outcomes and shoulder function. In the case of primary failure, revision RC reconstruction (RCR) has become increasingly important to re-create RC integrity and improve outcomes. To date, clinical and structural outcomes after RCR have not been sufficiently investigated and described at midterm follow-up. Hypothesis/Purpose: The purpose was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes after revision RCR. It was hypothesized that revision RCR significantly improves clinical outcomes and that the outcomes positively correlate with tendon integrity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients who underwent revision RCR between 2008 and 2014 were retrospectively evaluated with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Outcomes were assessed by a clinical examination, a visual analog scale for pain (VAS), the Constant Score (CS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Tendon integrity was determined using 3-T MRI and graded according to the Sugaya classification. Results: Thirty-one of 40 patients (77.5%) were available for the final assessment at a mean follow-up of 50.3 ± 20.4 months. Clinical outcome scores significantly improved from preoperatively to postoperatively for the CS (39.7 ± 16.7 to 65.1 ± 19.7; P < .001), ASES (44.2 ± 17.7 to 75.2 ± 24.8; P < .001), and DASH (68.6 ± 15.1 to 21.5 ± 19.1; P < .001). The VAS score decreased from 6.1 ± 1.8 preoperatively to 1.3 ± 1.8 at final follow-up ( P < .001). MRI demonstrated a retear rate of 55.5%. No differences in CS, ASES, and DASH scores were detected between patients with an intact repair and failure. Abduction strength was not significantly different in patients with an intact repair and retears (55.5 N vs 44.0 N, respectively, P = .52). Conclusion: Revision RCR improves clinical outcomes and shoulder function at midterm follow-up. The clinical outcome scores were comparable in patients with an intact repair and those with failed RC healing. Therefore, tendon integrity was not correlated with better clinical outcomes after revision RCR at final follow-up.

scholarly journals Clinical And MRI Outcomes After Arthroscopic Superior Capsule Reconstruction With Human Dermal Allograft For Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears A Minimum Two Year Follow-up

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3_suppl2) ◽  
pp. 2325967120S0012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucca Lacheta ◽  
Marilee P. Horan ◽  
William W. Schairer ◽  
Grant J. Dornan ◽  
Brandon T. Goldenberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Rotator Cuff ◽  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Rotator Cuff Tears ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Superior Capsule Reconstruction ◽  
Outcome Scores

Objectives: Arthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) using acellular human dermal allograft (DA) is a recently developed procedure for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears to reduce pain and restore shoulder function. The purpose of this study was to report clinical and structural outcomes of patients who underwent SCR with DA for irreparable tears of the posterosuperior rotator cuff. We hypothesized that SCR using DA would result in significant improvements in clinical outcomes and that outcomes would be positively correlated with graft integrity. Methods: Patients who underwent SCR using DA for irreparable tears of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons and who were at least two years out from surgery were included. Patients reported clinical outcomes were assessed prospectively by the use of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Score, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) Score, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score, and patient satisfaction. Structurally, acromiohumeral distances (AHD) were assessed both pre- and postoperatively with standard radiographs. Integrity of the DA was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical failures were defined as persistent loss of function and/or pain. Complications were also recorded. Results: Twenty-one patients who underwent SCR with a mean age of 56 (range 41-65) had and a mean follow up of 2.1 years (range 2 - 3) were included. All postoperative outcome scores improved significantly: ASES score improved from 54.2 to 83.9 (p<0.001), SANE score improved from 43.6 to 71.2 points (p<0.001) and QuickDASH improved from 37.5 to 16.2 points (p=0.002). Median satisfaction of all patients was 9 (range 1-10). Complete radiographs were obtained in 18/21 (85.7%) of patients and showed a significant increase of the mean AHD from 7.0 mm to 8.3 mm, pre- to postoperatively (p=0.029). Postoperative MRI’s were obtained in 95% (20/21) of the patients and showed a graft integrity rate of 50% (10/20). There were no significant differences in clinical outcome scores (p=0.214) comparing patients with intact grafts to patients with torn grafts. The AHD increased significantly from pre- to postoperatively in patients with intact grafts (p=0.003), while it didn’t increase significantly for those with a torn graft (p=0.432). There was one clinical failure in one patient who achieved no functional improvement who later underwent revision SCR and ended up with a successful clinical outcome. No postoperative complications occurred. Conclusion: SCR using DA for irreparable tears of the rotator cuff improves clinical outcomes with high patient satisfaction and low complication rates at short-term follow-up. Interestingly, intact grafts, although correlated with improved AHD, had no positive effects on clinical outcomes at final follow-up.

A Retrospective Study in the Treatment of a 2-Part Greater Tuberosity Fracture Using the F3 Biomet Plate

2016 ◽  
Vol 101 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 465-472
Author(s):  
Jun Ma ◽  
Liangyu Zhao ◽  
Tao Liu ◽  
Qiang Fu ◽  
Aimin Chen
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Constant Score ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
Open Reduction Internal Fixation ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Greater Tuberosity

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the F3 Biomet plate in the treatment of 2-part displaced humeral greater tuberosity fractures. We compared the clinical outcomes of patients with displaced greater tuberosity fractures who underwent surgical treatment using an F3 plate with those of patients who were treated nonsurgically. Eleven patients with 2-part displaced humeral greater tuberosity fractures were surgically treated with use of an F3 Biomet plate, whereas 12 patients with equal injuries were treated nonsurgically. Each patient underwent follow-up for at least 1 year. We retrospectively collected data and analyzed the clinical outcomes. The Constant score and DASH score were used to assess the shoulder function, and X-rays were taken to evaluate the fracture healing. X-rays of the patients in both groups showed that the fractures achieved union after the 1-year follow-up. Patients treated surgically with an F3 plate and open reduction internal fixation had better Constant score and DASH score results for shoulder function than those treated nonsurgically. In the present study, surgical treatment of displaced humeral greater tuberosity fractures with the use of an F3 plate led to a 100% union rate and good clinical outcomes. The F3 Biomet plate can be considered an effective implant for the treatment of displaced humeral greater tuberosity fractures. The level of evidence is therapeutic III.

scholarly journals Clinical Presentation and Outcomes Associated With Fabellectomy in the Setting of Fabella Syndrome

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596712090372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis J. Dekker ◽  
Matthew D. Crawford ◽  
Nicholas N. DePhillipo ◽  
Mitchell I. Kennedy ◽  
W. Jeffrey Grantham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Patient Satisfaction Score ◽  
Presenting Symptoms ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Outcome Scores

Background: Clinical outcomes pertaining to isolated lateral fabellectomy in the setting of fabella syndrome are limited to small case reports at this time. Purpose: To assess the most common presenting symptoms, clinical outcomes, and satisfaction after fabella excision in the setting of fabella syndrome. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Consecutive patients with a minimum of 21-month follow-up after isolated fabellectomy for fabella syndrome were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical outcome scores of the following domains were collected: Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and Lysholm knee survey, along with a simple numeric patient satisfaction score (range, 1-10; 10 = “very satisfied”). Statistical analysis was performed using paired t tests for all clinical outcome data. Results: A total of 11 isolated fabella excisions were included in 10 patients with isolated lateral-sided knee pain in the setting of fabella syndrome (8 males, 2 females), with a mean age of 36.9 years (range, 23-58 years) and a mean follow-up of 2.4 years (range, 21-47 months). A total of 8 patients (80%) were able to return to full desired activities, including sports. Only 5 of 11 (45%) excisions had concomitant lateral femoral condyle cartilage pathology. There were significant improvements across multiple WOMAC domains, and the WOMAC total score improved from 28.5 ± 17.6 preoperatively to 11.6 ± 10.2 postoperatively ( P < .05). Lysholm scores significantly improved from 66.6 ± 23.1 preoperatively to 80.2 ± 13.9 postoperatively ( P = .044). Overall patient-reported satisfaction was 8.8 ± 1.6. Conclusion: Fabella excision in the setting of fabella syndrome demonstrated improvements in clinical outcome scores, high rate of returning to preinjury level of activities, and low risk of complications or need for additional surgical procedures.

scholarly journals Analysis of the Early Clinical Outcomes of Arthroscopic Debridement in the Treatment of Shoulder Tuberculosis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan Wei He ◽  
Jun-Cai Liu ◽  
Zhi Wang ◽  
Peng Zhou ◽  
Xiang tian Deng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Score ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Shoulder Arthroscopy ◽  
Constant Score ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
Pathological Examination ◽  
Scoring Method

Abstract Background Due to atypical clinical symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose joint tuberculosis infection, which often results in misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. It is easy to cause joint disability, and there are few reports of using arthroscopy to diagnose and treat shoulder tuberculosis. This case series aims to introduce the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic treatment of shoulder tuberculosis.Methods 29 patients with shoulder tuberculosis from September 2013 to February 2019, 10 males, 19 females. Age range from 22-69, The average age is 37.6 years. All patients underwent arthroscopic lesion debridement, preoperative and postoperative regular use of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, streptomycin quadruple anti-tuberculosis drugs.The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C reactive protein (CRP) were recorded before and at the last follow-up. The shoulder function was evaluated according to the visual analogue scoring method (visual analogue scale,VAS) pain score and Constant score. Results 29 patients were followed up for 12-24 months, the average follow-up time was 15.7 months. The pathological diagnosis of all patients after surgery was shoulder tuberculosis. No serious complications were found at the last follow-up, and the incision healed well. VAS pain score, Constant score, ESR and CRP at the last follow-up were significantly improved compared with those before treatment (p<0.05).Conclusion On the basis of the standard use of anti-tuberculosis drugs before and after surgery, shoulder arthroscopy is used to treat early and mid-term shoulder tuberculosis, which can be diagnosed by direct observation under the arthroscope and postoperative pathological examination. It has the advantages of thorough lesion removal, minimally invasive, rapid recovery, and reliable clinical effect.

scholarly journals Clinical and Structural Outcomes After Rotator Cuff Repair in Patients With Diabetes: A Meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 232596712094849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lingdi Yang ◽  
Jun Zhang ◽  
Dengfeng Ruan ◽  
Kun Zhao ◽  
Xiao Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rotator Cuff ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Rotator Cuff Repair ◽  
Constant Score ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Random Effects Model ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Cuff Repair ◽  
Retear Rate

Background: The impact of diabetes on clinical and structural outcomes after rotator cuff repair remains controversial. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and retear rates after rotator cuff repair in patients with and without diabetes. Our hypotheses were that adequate control of diabetes would decrease the retear rate after rotator cuff repair and that patients with diabetes would have worse clinical outcomes. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies comparing outcomes in patients with and without diabetes after full-thickness rotator cuff repair. Clinical outcome analysis included the Constant score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and the University of California–Los Angeles shoulder rating scale; we compared preoperative, postoperative, and change in functional scores from baseline to final follow-up among the included studies. The pooled relative risk was calculated using a random-effects model for retear rates. Clinical outcomes were also pooled using a random-effects model. Results: Overall, 10 studies were included. Compared with patients without diabetes, patients with diabetes had a worse preoperative ASES score ( P = .009) as well as worse postoperative Constant score (final follow-up range, 9-103 months; P = .0003). However, there was no significant difference in the absolute mean change in clinical outcomes between patients with and without diabetes. Diabetes was associated with a higher retear rate (19.3% in patients without diabetes vs 28.2% in patients with diabetes; P < .0001). The retear rate according to the severity of sustained hyperglycemia in the subgroup analysis was 14.6% in patients without diabetes, versus 22.7% in patients with well-controlled diabetes (<7.0% of preoperative serum HbA1c level; P = .12) and 40.0% in patients with uncontrolled diabetes (HbA1c level ≥7.0%; P < .00001). Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests that diabetes mellitus is associated with an increased risk of retears after rotator cuff repair, and improved blood glucose control may reduce the risk of retears in patients with diabetes mellitus. Although effective glycemic control was associated with a decreased risk of retears in patients with diabetes, we could not prove causation because of potential bias and confounding in the included studies.

Evaluating the Outcomes of Rotator Cuff Repairs With Polytetrafluoroethylene Patches for Massive and Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (13) ◽  
pp. 3155-3164 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vasanth Seker ◽  
Lisa Hackett ◽  
Patrick H. Lam ◽  
George A.C. Murrell
Keyword(s):  
Rotator Cuff ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
External Rotation ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
Rotator Cuff Tears ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Irreparable Tear ◽  
Pain At Rest

Background: Massive and irreparable rotator cuff tears are difficult to manage surgically. One technique is to use a synthetic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patch to bridge the tear. However, there is little information regarding the outcomes of this procedure. Purpose: To determine the ≥2-year outcomes of patients for whom synthetic patches were used as tendon substitutes to bridge irreparable rotator cuff defects. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: This retrospective cohort study used prospectively collected data. Patients included those with a synthetic patch inserted as an interposition graft for large and/or irreparable rotator cuff tears with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Standardized assessment of shoulder pain, function, range of motion, and strength was performed preoperatively, at 6 and 12 weeks, and at 6 months and ≥2 years. Radiograph and ultrasound were performed preoperatively, at 6 months, and ≥2 years. Results: At a mean of 36 months, 58 of 68 eligible patients were followed up, and 53 of 58 (90%) patches remained in situ. Three patches failed at the patch-tendon interface, while 1 patient (2 shoulders/patches) went on to have reverse total shoulder replacements. Patient-ranked shoulder stiffness ( P < .001), frequency of pain with activity and sleep ( P < .0001), level of pain at rest and overhead ( P < .0001), and overall shoulder function improved from bad to very good ( P < .0001) by 6 months. Supraspinatus (mean ± SEM: 29 ± 16 N to 42 ± 13 N) and external rotation (39 ± 13 N to 59 ± 15 N) strength were the most notable increases at the ≥2-year follow-up ( P < .0001). Passive range of motion also improved by 49% to 67%; forward flexion, from 131° to 171°; abduction, from 117° to 161°; external rotation, from 38° to 55°; and internal rotation, from L3 to T10 ( P < .0001) preoperatively to ≥2 years. The most improvement in passive range of motion occurred between 12 months and ≥2 years. The mean (SD) Constant-Murley score was 90 (12), while the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 95 (8). Conclusion: At 36 months postoperatively, patients who had synthetic patches used as tendon substitutes to bridge irreparable rotator cuff defects reported less pain and greater overall shoulder function as compared with preoperative assessments. They demonstrated improved range of passive motion and improved strength. The data support the hypothesis that the technique of using a synthetic PTFE patch to bridge a large and/or irreparable tear has good construct integrity and improves patient and clinical outcomes.

scholarly journals Rotátorköpeny-szakadás után kialakult zsíros degeneráció változása az ín rekonstrukcióját követően, 65 éves kor után

2019 ◽  
Vol 160 (14) ◽  
pp. 533-539
Author(s):  
Imre Sallai ◽  
Márton Weidl ◽  
Attila Szatmári ◽  
Imre Antal ◽  
Gábor Skaliczki
Keyword(s):  
Rotator Cuff ◽  
Muscle Atrophy ◽  
Rotator Cuff Repair ◽  
Constant Score ◽  
Fatty Degeneration ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
Rotator Cuff Tears ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Cuff Repair

Abstract: Introduction: In the case of rotator cuff tears, the severity of the muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration has an effect on the success of the repair and on the functional outcome after surgery. Aim: The ability of regeneration reduces with ageing; therefore, the study examined the atrophy and the fatty degeneration after rotator cuff repair in patients over 65. Method: Eleven patients over 65 years of age were involved whose surgery was performed at the Department of Orthopaedics of Semmelweis University between 2012 and 2015. Their average age was 71.9 years and the average follow-up period was 39.9 months. Tear sizes were C1 in 3 cases, C2 in 3 cases, C3 in 4 cases, and C4 in 1 case. Each patient had magnetic resonance examination before and after the repair; the muscle atrophy and fatty degeneration were evaluated together with the type of the tear. Visual analogue scale and Constant score were used for the assessment of the pain and the shoulder function. Results: The average Constant score was 75 points. The occupancy ratio – referring to the severity of the atrophy – did not show significant improvement. The change in fatty degeneration and the atrophy were examined in different groups according to the size of the tears. In each group, the results showed progression. Conclusions: After rotator cuff repair in patients over 65, fatty degeneration and muscle atrophy also show progression. No significant relationship was found between the size of the tear and fatty degeneration or between the size of the tear and muscle atrophy. Orv Hetil. 2019; 160(14): 533–539.

scholarly journals Structural integrity of rotator cuff at 16 years following repair: good long-term outcomes despite recurrent tears

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert S. J. Elliott ◽  
Yi-Jia Lim ◽  
Jennifer Coghlan ◽  
John Troupis ◽  
Simon Bell
Keyword(s):  
Los Angeles ◽  
Rotator Cuff ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Structural Integrity ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Simple Shoulder Test ◽  
Supraspinatus Tear ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

Background There are few studies reporting long-term rotator cuff integrity following repair. The present study reports a case series of surgically repaired supraspinatus tendons followed up with clinical outcomes and ultrasound imaging after an average of 16 years. Methods The prospectively studied clinical outcomes at short-, medium- and long-term follow-up in 27 shoulders in 25 patients treated with arthroscopic subacromial decompression and mini-open rotator cuff repair have been reported previously. The functional outcomes scores recorded were the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) measures. These patients then underwent an ultrasound scan with respect to the long-term assessment of the shoulder and the integrity of the repair. Results A recurrent tear was noted in 37% of patients at 16.25 years after surgery, of which 50% were small. Two patients required repeat surgery. Patients had a mean UCLA score of 30, an ASES score of 91.3 and a SST score of 9.5 with a 85% level of satisfaction with surgery. Patients with a recurrent tear had outcome scores equivalent to those with an intact cuff with no significant pain. No independent risk factors were identified as predictors for recurrent tear. Conclusions Patients showed sustained benefit and satisfaction at long-term follow-up despite a 37% recurrence of full-thickness supraspinatus tear.

scholarly journals Clinical Outcomes of ProChondrix® Osteochondral Allograft in the Knee: A Case Series

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael S. Barnum ◽  
Evan D. Boyd ◽  
Annabelle P. Davey ◽  
Andrew Slauterbeck ◽  
James R. Slauterbeck
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Cartilage Defect ◽  
Femoral Condyle ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Osteochondral Allograft ◽  
Cartilage Restoration ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract PurposeFocal articular cartilage injuries are common and may lead to progression of osteoarthritis. The complications associated with traditional treatment strategies have influenced the development of new biotechnologies, such as the ProChondrix® osteochondral allograft. Clinical evidence on the outcomes associated with ProChondrix® osteochondral allografts are limited. Thus, the primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes following treatment of an isolated cartilage defect with a ProChondrix® osteochondral allograft implant.MethodsRetrospective analysis of patients who underwent a cartilage restoration procedure using ProChondrix® osteochondral allograft has been performed. Patients completed patient-reported outcome surveys which included the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), consisting of the 5 subscales of Pain, Symptoms, Activities of Daily Living, Sports and Recreation, and Quality of Life, the Marx Activity Scale, and the visual analog pain scale.ResultsSix patients underwent a cartilage restoration procedure using ProChondrix® between January 2016 and December 2019. Three males and three females were included with a median age of 33.5 years (range 18–48 years). The median follow-up duration was 15 months (range 9–24 months). There were 4 patellar grafts, 1 medial femoral condyle graft, and 1 lateral femoral condyle graft, with a median defect size of 18.5mm (range 13-20mm). At the most recent clinical follow-up, all six patients were pain free and all patients had returned to pre-op activity level.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first study to report the clinical outcome, activity level, and patient orientated outcomes in a case series of patients following treatment of an isolated cartilage defect with a ProChondrix® osteochondral allograft implant. Our study demonstrates promising short-term results in patient reported clinical outcome scores.

scholarly journals Five Years Follow-up After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Using Suture Bridge Technique: Evaluation of the Retear Rate and the Impairment of the Shoulder Function

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhang Sheng ◽  
Shi Huisheng ◽  
Liu Xiaohua ◽  
Wang Zheng ◽  
Li Yan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rotator Cuff ◽  
Muscle Strength ◽  
Shoulder Function ◽  
Rotator Cuff Tears ◽  
Full Thickness ◽  
Suture Bridge ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff ◽  
Retear Rate

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the retear rate after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using a suture bridge (SB) technique for patients with full thickness rotator cuff tears and whether the non- healing cuff impaired the shoulder function.Methods: From January 2013 to January 2014, 92 patients in our institution underwent arthroscopic double-row suture bridge repair for the treatment of full-thickness rotator cuff tear 55 patients who have completed the 5 years follow-up were enrolled in this study. There were 36 female and 19 male patients, and the average age was 58.6 years (range, 41- 70 years). The tears were classified into small (<1 cm), medium (1-3 cm), large (3-5 cm), and massive (> 5 cm) according to the classification of DeOrio and Cofield. According to the intraoperative measurement, small tears were found in 5 shoulders (9%), medium tears in 19 shoulders (34.5%), large tears in 23 shoulders (41.8%), and massive tears in 8 shoulders (14.5%). The mean follow-up was 71.2 months (range, 66-78 months). Post-operative cuff integrity was evaluated with ultrasound (US) according to the published literature which was comparable to Sugaya MRI classification. Types I-III indicated cuff healing and types IV or V indicated retear. The retear patterns were divided into type 1 (failure at the original repair site) or 2 (failure around the medial row). At baseline and final follow-up, shoulder functional outcomes were measured using validated, shoulder-specific outcome scores, including the Constant-Murley score (CS) and the American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES). The difference in abduction muscle strength was also evaluated between the integrity and the retear group.Results: At final follow-up, the rotator cuff was completely healed in 45 of the 55 shoulders. There were recurrent tears in 10 shoulders, and the retear rate was 18.2%. The type 1 re- tear pattern was found in 4 shoulders (40%), and type 2 in 6 shoulders (60%). The Constant and ASES scores improved from 41.00 to 92.00, and from 41.33 to 88.00, respectively. The mean differences in shoulder scaption strength between the healing and the retear group were 1.1±0.82Kg and 3.0±0.88Kg respectively. The difference in muscle strength between the retear and the healing group was statistically significant (p<0.001).Conclusion: Arthroscopic suture bridge repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears led to excellent improvement in shoulder function, but maintained a high retear rate. Although the retear group had inferior muscle strength, the patients were still satisfied, and shoulder function was improved due to pain relief. Whether such changes in muscle strength impair patients' long-term quality of life and shoulder function remains to be discussed.Level of evidence IV

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