scholarly journals Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction in Males Provides Superior Outcomes to Reverse Total Shoulder or Debridement for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

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. 2325967119S0038
Author(s):  
Tiffany Kadow ◽  
Daniel Garcia ◽  
Rebecca Minorini ◽  
Mark Baratz ◽  
Ruth Delaney ◽  
...  

Objectives: Irreparable massive rotator cuff tears, particularly those that occur in younger patients, represent a particularly challenging clinical scenario with limited options. Treatments such as reverse total shoulder arthroplasty are typically not well indicated for this patient population. We compared two treatment methods, latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) vs arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR), to determine if one is superior to the other regarding improvement in range of motion (ROM) and patient reported outcomes (PROs). We hypothesize that both treatments would have similar outcomes regarding functional restoration and subjective outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort study assessed 43 patients with an irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear after failed conservative or surgical treatment who underwent either LDTT (14 patients, 16 shoulders) or SCR (27 patients, 27 shoulders). Patients with a minimum of 6 month follow-up were included (mean follow up: 17.9 months, 14.9 months respectively). Changes in preoperative and postoperative forward flexion and external rotation were evaluated. Patient reported outcomes (PROs) including ASES, VAS, and SSV were assessed. T-test and Chi-Square statistical tests were performed. Results: The mean age at the time of surgery was 59.9yo vs 60yo for LDTT and SCR respectively (p=0.98). There were significantly more patients in the LDTT group that had undergone prior rotator cuff surgery (p<0.005) and significantly greater number of patients who had subscapularis tears which required repair in patients that underwent SCR (p<0.01). There was no difference in gender (p=0.75). Both cohorts demonstrated similar improvement in forward flexion with mean active forward flexion improving from 123° (90-160°) pre-operatively to 139° (80-180°) postoperatively in the LDTT group (p=0.157) and 85° (0-170°) preoperatively to 138° (40-175°) postoperatively in the SCR group (p =0.001). The average improvement in forward flexion was significantly greater in the SCR group with an improvement of 52° for SCR vs 14° for LDTT (p=0.035). External rotation improved in the LDTT cohort from 41° preoperatively (10-60°) to 62° (10-80°) (p=0.032) while external rotation stayed unchanged for the SCR cohort with 43° preoperatively (0-70°) to 44° (20-80°) postoperatively (p=0.868). The improvement in external rotation was significantly greater in the LDTT cohort with improvement of 19° vs 0.5° in the SCR group (p=0.011). There was no significant difference in reported ASES scores (LDTT: 65.6 vs SCR:70.9)(p=0.569), VAS (LDTT:1.78 vs SCR 2.26) (p=0.645), or SSV (LDTT:55 vs SCR:72.6) (p=0.087). Conclusion: LDTT and SCR both result in functional improvement of motion with SCR improving forward flexion to a greater extent and LDTT improving external rotation to a greater extent. Patient reported outcomes are similar between the two groups at short term follow up. Longer term outcomes are necessary before determining whether one treatment is optimal over the other as well as establishing the appropriate indications for each. [Table: see text]


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0032
Author(s):  
Moayd Awad ◽  
Sara Sparavalo ◽  
Jie Ma ◽  
Ivan Wong

Objectives: Management of massive rotator cuff tears remains a challenge despite development of different surgical techniques. Bridging reconstruction was developed to improve clinical outcomes and to avoid the morbidity associated with tendon transfers and arthroplasty. To date, there have been no studies assessing the mid-term clinical outcome for patients undergoing this procedure. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mid-term clinical outcomes of patients who underwent bridging reconstruction using acellular dermal matrix for large/massive rotator cuff tears (> 3 cm). Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who underwent bridging reconstruction between 2010 and 2018 by one surgeon (IW). Patients with a minimum follow-up of two years were included. All patients completed self-reported questionnaires (Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) Index and the Disabilities of the Shoulder, Arm and Hand (DASH) score) pre-operatively and post-operatively at six months, one year and annually thereafter. Results: One hundred charts were reviewed, and 20 patients were excluded due to lack of pre- or post-operative outcome scores. This cohort of patients consisted of 80 patients mean age of 58.6 ± 9.1 years and an average follow-up of 5.1 ± 1.6 years. The mean pre- and post-operative WORC scores (± SD) were 61.4 ± 20.6 and 28.1 ± 25.5 (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean pre- and post-operative DASH scores were 52.2 ± 19.7 and 23.1 ± 22.4 (p < 0.001), respectively. There was an improvement in WORC and DASH over time with the most significant improvement during the first year post-operatively (Figure 1). Seventy-eight percent of patients met the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for WORC while 77% of patients met the MCID for DASH. Our results show significant mid-term clinical improvement in WORC and DASH scores that is similar to previously published data that showed significant improvements in other patient-reported outcome scores. We believe these positive outcomes to be a result of better force coupling within the shoulder as compared to other surgical treatments such as maximal repair, superior capsular reconstruction, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Conclusions: Arthroscopic bridging reconstruction for the treatment of massive rotator cuff tears results in significant improvement of patient reported outcomes (as measured using the WORC and DASH scores) at a mean follow up of five years. This may suggest that bridging reconstruction is a good treatment alternative as compared to superior capsular reconstruction or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Longer follow-up with a prospective study design is necessary to determine the longevity of these outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 232596712098426
Author(s):  
Stefan Greiner ◽  
Max Kaeaeb ◽  
Andreas Voss ◽  
Robert Lawton ◽  
Pushkar Bhide ◽  
...  

Background: Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) represents a new option for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears. Purpose/Hypothesis: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of SCR and compare them with the outcomes of partial repair (PR) of the infraspinatus tendon. The hypothesis was that there would be no significant differences between the clinical and radiologic outcome parameters of SCR and PR after a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Of 21 patients who underwent SCR, 20 patients were matched in a 1:1 ratio according to sex, age, and tear configuration with 20 of 60 patients who had undergone PR; all patients were prospectively evaluated for a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The investigated outcome measures included the Constant score; Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score; and radiologic analysis of acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and humeral head centralization (HHC). Results: There were no differences in the demographic data between the SCR and PR groups. The mean age of both groups was 62.3 years (range, 47-79 years), the mean tear configuration was Bateman 3.0 and Patte 2.8, and the mean follow-up period was 29.4 months (range, 24-53 months). At final follow-up, no significant differences were seen between the SCR and PR groups with regard to Constant score (77.1 vs 82.7), age- and sex-adapted Constant score (85.5% vs 91.4%), DASH score (15.6 vs 7.8), or WORC index (81.1 vs 90.4). No significant differences in the AHD or HHC were seen between the groups. The reoperation rate was 4.8% (1/21) in the SCR cohort and 15% (9/60) in the PR cohort. Conclusion: Both SCR and PR resulted in significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes at 2-year follow-up, with no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the 2 techniques. Further follow-up is needed to determine whether there are long-term differences in HHC and development of cuff tear arthropathy. Further investigations should also focus on the cost-effectiveness of the respective procedures.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0033
Author(s):  
Travis Frantz ◽  
Marisa Ulrich ◽  
Joshua Everhart ◽  
Andrew Mundy ◽  
Jonathan Barlow ◽  
...  

Objectives: Optimal surgical indications for massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCT) without arthritis remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of superior capsular reconstruction (SCR), partial rotator cuff repair (PR), and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) at greater than 2 years follow-up and identify any characteristics or risk factors which may correlate with outcomes. Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from a single tertiary academic medical center of consecutive patients undergoing surgical treatment for massive irreparable RCT without arthritis using SCR, PR (using interval slide and/or margin convergence), or rTSA from 01/01/2006 to 01/01/2018 was performed. Patients were required to be at least 18 years of age, have intraoperative confirmation of a massive, irreparable, RCT without arthritis, failed attempts at prior non-operative management, and a minimum of two years of clinical post-operative data. Patient demographics and pre-operative clinical findings (strength and range of motion (ROM), external rotation (ER) lag, pseudoparalysis, subscapularis function) were collected. Post-operative data included complications, patient satisfaction, strength and ROM, and patient reported outcomes (ASES, VAS, SANE). Multivariate analysis was also performed to identify risk factors. Results: 32 patients met inclusion criteria for SCR, 24 for PR, and 42 for rTSA (mean follow-up years: SCR 3.2; PR 4.0; rTSA 3.5; p=0.02). The rTSA patients were older (66.2 years; SCR - 57.3; PR - 59.0; p=0.0001) and more likely to be female (61.9%; SCR - 12.5%; PR - 25.0%; p<0.001) than SCR or PR. SCR patients had a larger tear measured on pre-operative MRI (4.23 cm; PR - 3.64; rTSA - 3.63; p=0.01). Intra-operative evaluation demonstrated the subscapularis to be non-functional in 37.5% for SCR, 4.2% for PR, and 21.4% for rTSA (p=0.01). There were no differences in other patient demographics and characteristics (Table 1). Pre-operative assessment demonstrated the lowest ASES scores in the rTSA group (29.48; SCR - 44.17; PR - 41.51; p=0.02), the lowest SANE scores in the SCR group (25.83; PR - 51.56; rTSA - 40.00; p=0.03), and no difference in VAS. Pre-operative active forward elevation range of motion (ROM) was significantly better in the PR group (152.29 degrees) but comparable between SCR (116.25) and rTSA (105.49; p<0.001) (Table 2). Pseudoparalysis was present in 18.8% of SCR, 0% of PR, and 14.3% of rTSA patients (p=0.08). There were no differences in the rates of positive clinical exam findings or weakness (p>0.18 for all). Comparing pre-operative to post-operative outcomes within respective groups (Table 3), all groups saw significant post-operative improvement in strength in all planes and all patient reported outcomes (p<0.036 for all). SCR and rTSA both demonstrated improved forward elevation ROM post-operatively while PR did not (p=0.96). No group experienced a significant improvement in internal or external rotation ROM post-operatively (p>0.12 for all). When comparing between the three groups (Table 4), rTSA had significantly worse post-operative ROM in all planes when compared to SCR and PR (p<0.003 for all). There were no differences between groups in post-operative strength in any plane (p>0.16 for all) or patient reported outcomes (ASES p=0.14; VAS p=0.86; SANE p=0.61). Patients were satisfied or somewhat satisfied in 81.2% of SCR cases, 87.5% of PR, and 95.3% of rTSA (p=0.33). Regarding surgical complications, 3 of 32 (9.4%) SCR patients required conversion to rTSA, while 3 of 24 (12.5%) PR patients required reoperation (2 revision repairs, one conversion to rTSA). There were 4 surgical complications among 42 rTSA patients (9.5%) (2 acromial stress fractures - 1 operative, 1 non-operative; 1 dislocation requiring open reduction). There were 4 non-surgical complications in the SCR group (2 falls resulting in 1 distal radius fracture and 1 HAGL lesion; 1 persistent pain; 1 persistent stiffness) and 1 stroke in the rTSA group. One SCR patient and 3 rTSA patients were deceased within the follow-up time period. Multivariate analysis demonstrated no independent predictors of revision surgery, and the only independent predictors of patient satisfaction to be improved pre-op active ER ROM (0.03) and strength (p=0.048). However, older age (0.03), improved pre-op internal rotation (IR) strength (0.03), and having SCR (p=0.048) or PR (p=0.045) rather than rTSA were independent predictors of an improved post-op ASES score. Male gender was found to be an independent predictor of improved post-operative forward elevation ROM (p=0.03) (Table 7), while undergoing rTSA was an independent predictor of worse post-operative IR and ER ROM (p<0.009 for all). An increased AH interval distance was an independent predictor of improved post-operative strength across groups for all planes of motion (p<0.02). The presence of pseudoparalysis pre-operatively was predictive of worse post-op ER strength (p=0.003), but no difference in any other plane (p>0.05 for all). Conclusions: SCR, PR, and rTSA for massive, irreparable RCT without arthritis all significantly improved post-op strength and outcome scores with >80% patient satisfaction, but with rTSA having worse post-op ROM. For all patients, increased pre-op ER ROM and strength correlated with improved patient satisfaction, while increased AH distance correlated with improved post-op strength. No further risk factors were identified, and further study is needed to continue to delineate indications for each operation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10_suppl5) ◽  
pp. 2325967121S0034
Author(s):  
Neel Patel ◽  
Nyaluma Wagala ◽  
Christopher Como ◽  
Bryson Lesniak ◽  
Albert Lin

Objectives: Irreparable rotator cuff tears can be challenging to manage in younger patients who are not well indicated for reverse total shoulder replacement. Treatment options in this patient population include both marginal convergence (MC) and superior capsular reconstruction (SCR). While both treatment options have demonstrated good short term outcomes, they have vastly different associated costs and operative times. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare range of motion (ROM), patient reported outcomes, and re-operation rates following MC and SCR. We hypothesized that SCR would outperform MC regarding functional and subjective outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 44 patients from two surgeons with irreparable rotator cuff tears that underwent either MC (28 patients, 28 shoulders) or SCR (16 patients, 16 shoulders) from 2014-2019 at a single academic center. Patient inclusion criteria were the following: failed conservative or prior surgical management, no or mild glenohumeral arthritis, Goutallier grade 3 or 4 fatty infiltration of the involved muscles, Hamada grade 1 or 2 rotator cuff arthropathy, intact or repairable subscapularis tear and minimum of 1 year follow-up. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, active forward flexion (FF) and external rotation (ER) range of motion, reoperation rate, and rate of conversion to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty were evaluated. For statistical analysis, t-tests were used to determine differences in functional outcomes and VAS, while Chi-Squared tests were used to determine differences in the rate of re-operation and conversion to arthroplasty (*p < 0.05). Results: The mean age at the time of surgery for the MC and SCR groups was 64.4 and 58.5 years, respectively, with an average follow-up of 31.5 months for the MC group and 17.8 months for the SCR group. There were no significant differences in the mean age at the time of surgery, gender, body mass index, pre-operative FF and ER, and pre-operative VAS between the groups. The MC group did not have a significant improvement FF with a mean pre-operative FF of 144.4°(range: 30-170°) and post-operative FF of 150.5°(range: 90-180). The same was true for the SCR group, with a mean pre-operative FF 127.5°(range: 40-170°) and post-operative FF of 146.3°(range: 40-170). There was also no significant improvement in ER post-operatively in either group. Both the MC and SCR group had significant improvements in VAS for pain from an average of 7.3 (range: 1-10) pre-operatively to 2.5 (range: 0-10) post-operative for the MC group (p < 0.01) and from 7.3 (range: 3-10) pre-operatively to 1 (range: 0-4) post-operative for the SCR group (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the post-operative FF or ER, change in FF or ER, post-operative VAS, or change in VAS between the two treatment groups. The rate of conversion to arthroplasty was not significantly different between the groups at 3.6% for the MC group and 12.5% for the SCR group. Additionally, the overall reoperation rate was not significantly different between the MR and SCR groups at 10.7% and 12.5%, respectively. Conclusions: There were no significant differences between the MC and SCR treatment groups. While both MC and SCR were effective in improving VAS for pain, neither treatment consistently resulted in significant improvement in ROM. Further studies with long term outcomes are needed to determine if there are certain indications for which one treatment results in better outcomes.


2021 ◽  
pp. 036354652110154
Author(s):  
Adam M. Johannsen ◽  
Justin W. Arner ◽  
Bryant P. Elrick ◽  
Philip-C. Nolte ◽  
Dylan R. Rakowski ◽  
...  

Background: Modern rotator cuff repair techniques demonstrate favorable early and midterm outcomes, but long-term results have yet to be reported. Purpose: To determine 10-year outcomes and survivorship after arthroscopic double-row transosseous-equivalent (TOE) rotator cuff repair. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence 4. Methods: The primary TOE rotator cuff repair procedure was performed using either a knotted suture bridge or knotless tape bridge technique on a series of patients with 1 to 3 tendon full-thickness rotator cuff tears involving the supraspinatus. Only patients who were 10 years postsurgery were included. Patient-reported outcomes were collected pre- and postoperatively, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), and satisfaction. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed. Failure was defined as progression to revision surgery. Results: A total of 91 shoulders (56 men, 31 women) were included between October 2005 and December 2009. Mean follow-up was 11.5 years (range, 10.0-14.1 years). Of 91 shoulders, 5 (5.5%) failed and required revision surgery. Patient-reported outcomes for patients who survived were known for 80% (69/86). Outcomes scores at final follow-up were as follows: ASES, 93.1 ± 10.8; SANE, 87.5 ± 14.2; QuickDASH, 11.1 ± 13.5; and SF-12 physical component summary (PCS), 49.2 ± 10.1. There were statistically significant declines in ASES, SANE, and SF-12 PCS from the 5-year to 10-year follow-up, but none of these changes met the minimally clinically important difference threshold. Median satisfaction at final follow-up was 10 (range, 3-10). From this cohort, Kaplan-Meier survivorship demonstrated a 94.4% survival rate at a minimum of 10 years. Conclusion: Arthroscopic TOE rotator cuff repair demonstrates high patient satisfaction and low revision rates at a mean follow-up of 11.5 years. This information may be directly utilized in surgical decision making and preoperative patient counseling regarding the longevity of modern double-row rotator cuff repair.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (7_suppl4) ◽  
pp. 2325967118S0008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Robert Waterman ◽  
Jonathan Newgren ◽  
Anirudh K. Gowd ◽  
Brandon C. Cabarcas ◽  
Bernard R. Bach ◽  
...  

Objectives: To evaluate long-term clinical outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with and without acromioplasty. Methods: Between 2007-2011, prospectively-enrolled patients undergoing arthroscopic repair for full-thickness rotator cuff tears were previously randomized into either acromioplasty or non-acromioplasty groups. Patients with death, advanced neurologic conditions, or subsequent shoulder arthroplasty were excluded. Baseline and long-term follow-up questionnaires, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and Constant scores were obtained. Rates of revision rotator cuff surgery, or secondary reoperation were recorded. Averages with standard deviation (SD) were calculated, and t-tests were utilized to compare outcomes of interest between cohorts. Results: After exclusion of 5 additional patients from the short-term follow-up study, 66 of 90 patients (73.3%) were available at 92.4 months (±10.5). Comparison of baseline demographics and intraoperative information revealed no significant differences, including age, gender, workers compensation, acute mechanism of injury, tear size, degree of retraction, and surgical technique (e.g. single- vs. double-row). At final follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences according to ASES (p=0.33), VAS pain (p=0.79), Constant (p=0.17), SST (p=0.05), UCLA (p=0.19), and SF-12 (p=0.79) in patients with and without acromioplasty (Figure 1). One patient with acromioplasty (2.9%) and two patients without acromioplasty (6.3%) sustained atraumatic recurrent rotator cuff tear with secondary repair (p=0.99). Conclusion: Combined acromioplasty and rotator cuff repair offer no significant long-term benefits in patient-reported outcomes or secondary surgery when compared to arthroscopic rotator cuff repair alone. [Figure: see text]


2020 ◽  
pp. 175857322092504
Author(s):  
Samuel G McClatchy ◽  
Griffin M Heise ◽  
William M Mihalko ◽  
Frederick M Azar ◽  
Richard A Smith ◽  
...  

Background Deltoid muscle function is paramount to the success of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of deltoid volume on shoulder range of motion and patient-reported outcomes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in rotator cuff-intact and rotator cuff-deficient conditions. Methods Retrospective review of records identified 107 patients who met inclusion criteria. The rotator cuff integrity was evaluated by two musculoskeletal-trained radiologists. Volumetric deltoid measurements were calculated from preoperative computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans. Satisfactory outcomes were defined as forward elevation of at least 135°, external rotation of at least 35°, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation scores of at least 70. Results Mean total deltoid muscle volume was significantly higher in patients with satisfactory forward elevation (57.8 ± 18.1 cm³) versus unsatisfactory forward elevation (48.6 ± 19.5 cm³) (p = 0.013). When separated by rotator cuff integrity, total deltoid volume was significantly higher (p = 0.030) in patients who achieved satisfactory forward elevation in the rotator cuff-deficient group but not the rotator cuff-intact group (p = 0.533). Discussion Preoperative deltoid volume directly correlated with achieving satisfactory forward elevation after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in rotator cuff-deficient conditions and may be one factor in determining the ability to achieve satisfactory outcomes in the rotator cuff-deficient patient.


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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