Outcomes and Tendon Integrity After Arthroscopic Treatment for Articular-Sided Partial-Thickness Tears of the Supraspinatus Tendon: Results at Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

Background: The best surgical treatment option for symptomatic moderate- to high-grade articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) is still controversial. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported and clinical outcomes and tendon integrity after arthroscopic debridement or repair for PTRCTs at a minimum of 2 years postoperatively. We hypothesized that the overall outcomes would be positive, showing pain relief, good shoulder function, and high tendon integrity. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We evaluated 30 patients (16 men, 14 women; mean age, 51 years) who underwent arthroscopic treatment for symptomatic PTRCTs (Ellman grades 2 and 3). Debridement was performed in 15 patients, and arthroscopic tendon repair was performed in the remaining 15 patients. Patients completed the Constant score; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder score; Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index; Simple Shoulder Test; and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, function, and satisfaction. In addition, patients were examined clinically (range of motion, impingement tests, rotator cuff tests, and tests for the long head of the biceps tendon), and morphologic assessment of rotator cuff integrity was performed using direct magnetic resonance arthrography and was classified according to Sugaya. Results: The mean follow-up period was 55 months. The patient-reported outcome measures showed high patient satisfaction, reduction in persistent pain, and good shoulder function. Linear regression analysis showed that the debridement group had significantly better results on the Constant (bias-corrected and accelerated [BCa] 95% CI, 4.20-26.30), ASES (BCa 95% CI, 5.24-39.26), and VAS (pain: BCa 95% CI, 0.13-3.62; function: BCa 95% CI, 1.04-4.84; satisfaction: BCa 95% CI, 0.14-6.28) scores than did the repair group. At follow-up, there was no significant difference between the groups in clinical testing results. Good supraspinatus tendon integrity was seen in most patients: Sugaya classification grade 1 in 13 patients, grade 2 in 11 patients, and grade 3 in 6 patients. Conclusion: Midterm results after arthroscopic debridement and repair for PTRCTs showed high patient satisfaction, good shoulder function, and high tendon integrity for both procedures. Patients who underwent arthroscopic debridement had higher Constant, ASES, and VAS scores compared with patients who underwent tendon repair.

Download Full-text

Proximal Biceps Tenodesis Incorporated into Supraspinatus Repair: A Case Series and Technical Description

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120975354 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

pp. 232596712097535

Author(s):

Joshua M. Veenstra ◽

Andrew G. Geeslin ◽

Christopher W. Uggen

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Biceps Tendon ◽

Tendon Repair ◽

Case Series ◽

Supraspinatus Tendon ◽

Biceps Tenodesis ◽

Arm Pain ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Tendon Pathology

Background: Biceps tendon pathology is commonly associated with rotator cuff tears. A multitude of different biceps tenodesis techniques have been studied, with limited clinical data on arthroscopic biceps tenodesis techniques incorporated into rotator cuff repairs. Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of an arthroscopic biceps tenodesis incorporated into a supraspinatus tendon repair. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients undergoing surgical treatment of supraspinatus tendon tears with concomitant biceps tendon pathology were prospectively enrolled from 2014 to 2015. A total of 32 patients underwent combined biceps tenodesis and rotator cuff repair; of these, 19 patients were evaluated for a mean of 2.0 years. The primary outcome measures were the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES; patient self-report and physician assessment sections), visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, responses to specific biceps-related assessments, and biceps specific physical exam findings. Results: Patient-reported ASES scores improved from 45.9 preoperatively to 91.6 at the 2-year follow-up ( P < .001). Pain VAS scores improved from 5.2 preoperatively to 0.7 at the 2-year follow-up ( P < .001). Preoperatively, 18 patients had a positive Speed test; all were negative at 5 months postoperatively, and 21 patients had bicipital groove tenderness preoperatively, which resolved in all 21 patients at 5 months postoperatively. At the 2-year follow-up, 2 patients had cramping arm pain and 4 patients noticed a change in arm contour. There were no reoperations. No complications occurred in the study group. Conclusion: Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis incorporated into a supraspinatus tendon repair was a safe and reliable option for biceps pathology with a concomitant rotator cuff tear.

Download Full-text

Tendon Repair Leads to better Long-Term Clinical Outcome than Debridement in Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

The Open Orthopaedics Journal ◽

10.2174/1874325001611010546 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 546-553 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Matthias Alexander König ◽

Volker Alexander Braunstein

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Clinical Outcome ◽

Tendon Repair ◽

Shoulder Function ◽

Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

Short Term ◽

Massive Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

Massive Tears

Introduction: Massive tears in the rotator cuff are debilitating pathologies normally associated with loss of function and pain. Tendon reconstruction is seen as the standard treatment in order to preserve shoulder function and to inhibit cuff associated osteoarthritis. However, the effect on longer-term shoulder function and patient satisfaction is unknown. Material and Methods: 165 consecutive patients with massive tears were included. 57 debridement (mean age 61.9±8.7 years (range 43-77)) and 108 reconstruction (mean age 57.5±8.9 years (range 45-74)) cases could be followed up 2-4 (short-term), 5-6 (mid-term) and 8-10 (long-term) years after surgery. Evaluation was performed with the Constant, a modified ASES and the DASH score. Statistical analysis was done using Sigma-Stat Version 3.5 with a p-value<0.05 indicating statistical significant differences. Results: All three scoring systems showed no significant differences in the short-term follow-up for the two groups (mean values: Constant debridement/repair: 70±11.9/66±13.6; ASES debridement/repair: 22.3±3.3/ 23.3±3.3; DASH debridement/repair: 22.3±11.0/ 24.3±10.1). In the mid-term (Constant debridement/repair: 51±2.9/68.3±5.2; ASES debridement/repair: 20.3±1.3/24.3±1.7; DASH debridement/repair: 31.0±6.5/20.3±5.4) and long-term follow-up (Constant debridement/repair: 42.3±3.8 /60.7±2.6, ASES debridement/repair: 17.3±0.5/21.7±0.5, DASH debridement/repair: 41.3±6.2/25.0±1.4), rotator cuff reconstruction revealed better objective results and better patients’ satisfaction. Conclusion: Rotator cuff tendon repair leads to better long-term clinical outcome and subjective satisfaction compared to debridement. Tendon reconstruction should be considered as a treatment for patients suffering from massive rotator cuff tears, thus preserving shoulder function and by that means delay indication for reverse arthroplasty.

Download Full-text

Treatment of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears without Arthritis: A Comparison of Superior Capsular Reconstruction, Partial Rotator Cuff Repair, and Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (228)

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967121s00336 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10_suppl5) ◽

pp. 2325967121S0033

Author(s):

Travis Frantz ◽

Marisa Ulrich ◽

Joshua Everhart ◽

Andrew Mundy ◽

Jonathan Barlow ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Rotator Cuff ◽

Surgical Complications ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Independent Predictor ◽

Total Shoulder Arthroplasty ◽

Superior Capsular Reconstruction ◽

Patient Reported

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.

Download Full-text

Do Outcomes of Arthroscopic Subscapularis Tendon Repairs Depend on Rotator Cuff Fatty Infiltration?

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120913036 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 232596712091303

Author(s):

Emily J. Monroe ◽

Sergio E. Flores ◽

Alan L. Zhang ◽

Brian T. Feeley ◽

Drew A. Lansdown ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Fatty Infiltration ◽

Tendon Repair ◽

Muscle Quality ◽

Subscapularis Tendon ◽

Infraspinatus Muscle ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Infraspinatus Tendon

Background: Rotator cuff fatty infiltration has been correlated with poorer radiographic and clinical outcomes in supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon repairs, but this has not been well-studied in subscapularis tendon repairs. Purpose: To evaluate the influence of preoperative rotator cuff fatty infiltration on postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing arthroscopic subscapularis tendon repair. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients who underwent arthroscopic subscapularis repair between 2010 and 2016 were retrospectively identified, and demographic data and surgical findings were recorded. The extent of fatty infiltration was determined on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging by the Fuchs modification of the Goutallier classification. At the most recent follow-up, patients completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System for Upper Extremity (PROMIS-UE) computer adaptive test and a postoperative visual analog scale for pain. The distribution of fatty infiltration was compared between patients undergoing subscapularis tendon repair versus subscapularis tendon repair combined with a posterior cuff repair. Outcomes were compared for patients using Goutallier grade 0-1 versus grade ≥2 changes in each rotator cuff muscle. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of muscle quality, as well as demographic factors, on PROMIS-UE scores. Significance was defined as P < .05. Results: There were 140 shoulders included (mean age, 61.8 years; 42.1% female; mean follow-up, 51.7 months). The prevalence of Goutallier grade 2 changes or higher was significantly greater in patients with multitendon repair relative to isolated subscapularis tendon repair. For the overall group of all patients undergoing subscapularis tendon repair, whether in isolation or as part of a multitendon repair, PROMIS-UE scores were significantly lower for patients with infraspinatus muscle grade 2 or higher Goutallier changes relative to grade 0 or 1. After adjustment for age, body mass index, patient sex, and fatty infiltration in other rotator cuff muscles, poor infraspinatus muscle quality remained the only significant predictor for lower PROMIS-UE scores. Conclusion: Patients undergoing arthroscopic subscapularis tendon repair with poor infraspinatus muscle quality had worse patient-reported outcomes. This was true whether subscapularis tendon repair was isolated or was performed in conjunction with supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon repairs.

Download Full-text

Subacromial Balloon Spacer for Massive, Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears Is Associated With Improved Shoulder Function and High Patient Satisfaction

Arthroscopy The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery ◽

10.1016/j.arthro.2020.09.048 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Filippo Familiari ◽

Suresh K. Nayar ◽

Raffaella Russo ◽

Marco De Gori ◽

Francesco Ranuccio ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Rotator Cuff ◽

Shoulder Function ◽

Rotator Cuff Tears ◽

High Patient Satisfaction

Download Full-text

Predictive Modeling to Determine Functional Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/0363546520914632 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 48 (7) ◽

pp. 1559-1567

Author(s):

Salvatore Frangiamore ◽

Grant J. Dornan ◽

Marilee P. Horan ◽

Sandeep Mannava ◽

Erik M. Fritz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patient Satisfaction ◽

Rotator Cuff ◽

Patient Selection ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Female Sex ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff ◽

Cuff Repair

Background: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic surgical procedures; however, patient-reported outcomes have varied greatly in the literature. Purpose: To identify preoperative factors that affect outcomes and to develop prognostic tools for predicting functional outcomes in future ARCR cases. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Patients were included who underwent ARCR for repairable full-thickness rotator cuff tears with at least 2 years of follow-up. Twelve predictors were entered as candidate predictors in each model: age, sex, workers’ compensation (WC) status, previous cuff repair, tear size, tear shape, multiple-tendon involvement, tendon stump length, Goutallier classification, critical shoulder angle, length of follow-up, and baseline subjective outcomes score. Postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), 12-Item Short Form Health Survey Physical Component Summary (SF-12 PCS), QuickDASH (short version of Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), and patient satisfaction were each modeled through proportional odds ordinal logistic regression. Model results were presented with marginal covariate effect plots and predictive nomograms. Results: Overall, 552 shoulders fit inclusion criteria. The mean age at surgery was 60.2 years (range, 23-81 years). Twenty-five (4.5%) shoulders underwent revision cuff repair or reverse arthroplasty at a mean 1.9 years (range, 0.1-7.9 years) postoperatively. Overall, 509 shoulders were eligible for follow-up, and minimum 2-year postoperative patient-reported outcomes were obtained for 449 (88.2%) at a mean 4.8 years (range, 2-11 years). The ASES score demonstrated significant improvement from pre- to postoperative median (interquartile range): 58 (44.9-71.6) to 98.3 (89.9-100; P < .001). Women demonstrated significantly higher 2-year reoperation rates than men (5.8% vs 1.6%; odds ratio, 2.8 [95% CI, 0.73-9.6]; P = .023). Independently significant predictors for lower postoperative ASES scores included previous ARCR ( P < .001), female sex ( P < .001), and a WC claim ( P < .001). Significant predictors for worse QuickDASH scores included WC claim ( P < .001), female sex ( P < .001), previous ARCR ( P = .007), and ≥7 years of follow-up time. Significant predictors for lower SF-12 PCS scores included WC claim ( P < .001), female sex ( P = .001), and lower baseline SF-12 PCS. Last, significant independent predictors of patient satisfaction included previous ARCR ( P = .004), WC claim ( P = .011), female sex ( P = .041), and age ( P = .041). Conclusion: Excellent clinical outcomes and low failure rates were obtained after ARCR by using careful patient selection and modern surgical techniques for ARCR. Female sex, WC claim, and previous ARCR were significant predictors of poorer outcomes in at least 3 patient-reported outcome models. Prognostic nomograms were developed to aid in future patient selection, clinical decision making, and patient education.

Download Full-text

Minimum 10-Year Outcomes of Primary Arthroscopic Transosseous-Equivalent Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repair

The American Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/03635465211015419 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 036354652110154

Author(s):

Adam M. Johannsen ◽

Justin W. Arner ◽

Bryant P. Elrick ◽

Philip-C. Nolte ◽

Dylan R. Rakowski ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Revision Surgery ◽

Rotator Cuff Repair ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Long Term Results ◽

Double Row ◽

Kaplan Meier ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Cuff Repair

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.

Download Full-text

Delayed Rehabilitation Protocol after Rotator Cuff Repair

Osteology ◽

10.3390/osteology1010003 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 29-38

Author(s):

Alessandra Berton ◽

Sergio De Salvatore ◽

Vincenzo Candela ◽

Gabriele Cortina ◽

Daniela Lo Presti ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rotator Cuff ◽

Muscle Strength ◽

Internal Rotation ◽

Outcome Measures ◽

Rotator Cuff Repair ◽

External Rotation ◽

Shoulder Function ◽

Rehabilitation Protocol ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Cuff Repair

Rotator cuff tears are a frequent cause of shoulder pain that often require arthroscopic repair. After surgery an intense and well-studied rehabilitation protocol is needed to obtain the complete recovery of shoulder function. Fifty patients, who sustained arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for symptomatic, atraumatic and full-thickness supraspinatus tendon tear, were involved. According to our rehabilitation protocol, during the first four postoperative weeks, the arm was supported with an abduction sling pillow, and pendulum exercises, table slide and active elbow extension and flexion were conceded. Outcome measures (Oxford shoulder score (OSS), simple shoulder test (SST), patient-reported satisfaction), shoulder function (range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength), and MRI examination were evaluated. The mean OSS score and SST score increased from 16 to 30.2 and from 5.3 to 11.4, respectively. Patient-reported satisfaction was 96%. At 12 months, patients improved ROM and muscle strength. Postoperative passive anterior elevation was 176; external rotation averaged 47; internal rotation was 90. Postoperative muscle strength during anterior elevation was 8.3 ± 2.2 kg, internal rotation 6.8 ± 3 kg, external rotation 5.5 ± 2.3 kg. Five out of seven patients with recurrent tears evaluated their results as satisfactory. They reported improvements in terms of OSS and SST mean scores despite recurrent tears; therefore, they did not undergo revision surgery. The delayed postoperative physical therapy protocol was associated with improvements in the outcome measures and shoulder function compared to the preoperatory state and rotator cuff healing demonstrated by MRI.

Download Full-text

Strain Elastography and Tendon Response to an Exercise Program in Patients With Supraspinatus Tendinopathy: An Exploratory Study

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/2325967120965185 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (12) ◽

pp. 232596712096518

Author(s):

Karen Brage ◽

Birgit Juul-Kristensen ◽

John Hjarbaek ◽

Eleanor Boyle ◽

Per Kjaer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Structural Changes ◽

Supraspinatus Tendon ◽

Patient Reported Outcome ◽

Minimal Detectable Change ◽

Detectable Change ◽

Tendon Stiffness ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Tendon Thickness

Background: Shoulder pain is common, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 67%. Evidence is conflicting in relation to imaging findings and pain in the shoulder. Sonoelastography can be used to estimate tissue stiffness and may be a clinically relevant technique for diagnosing and monitoring tendon healing. Purpose: To evaluate changes in supraspinatus tendon stiffness using strain elastography (SEL) and associations with changes in patient-reported outcomes, supraspinatus tendon thickness, and grade of tendinopathy after 12 weeks of unilateral shoulder exercises in patients with supraspinatus tendinopathy. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 23 patients with unilateral clinical supraspinatus tendinopathy performed 12 weeks of “standard care” exercises. At baseline and follow-up, supraspinatus tendon stiffness was measured bilaterally using SEL and compared with tendinopathy grading on magnetic resonance imaging scans and tendon thickness measured using conventional ultrasound. Patient-reported outcome measures included physical function and symptoms from the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and pain rating (visual analog scale). Results: No significant changes in SEL within or between groups (asymptomatic vs symptomatic tendon) were seen. All patient-reported outcomes showed significant improvement from baseline to follow-up, but with no change in tendinopathy grading and tendon thickness. No significant differences in the proportion of patients changing above the minimal detectable change in SEL and PROM were seen, except for discomfort while sleeping. Conclusion: Despite no significant within-group or between-group changes in SEL, significant improvements were found in patient-reported outcomes. An acceptable agreement between patients changing above the minimal detectable change in SEL and patient-reported outcome measure was seen. Further studies should explore the use of SEL to detect changes after tendon repair and long-term training potentially in subgroups of different tendinopathy phases. Clinical Relevance: In the short term, structural changes in supraspinatus tendons could not be visualized using SEL, indicating that a longer time span should be expected in order to observe structural changes, which should be considered before return to sports. Subgrouping based on stage of tendinopathy may also be important in order to evaluate changes over time with SEL among patients with supraspinatus tendinopathy. Registration: NCT03425357 ( ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

Download Full-text