Superior Capsular Reconstruction versus Bridging Graft: A Prospective RCT

OrthoMedia ◽  
2021 ◽  
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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 263502542110013
Author(s):  
Daniel M. Curtis ◽  
W. Michael Pullen ◽  
Kevin Helenius ◽  
Michael T. Freehill

Background: Massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs) remain a challenging clinical problem with numerous described treatment options. Bursal acromial reconstruction (BAR) represents a promising and evolving technique for a subset of patients with irreparable RCTs. Indications: BAR is indicated for patients with massive, irreparable RCTs with a primary complaint of pain, well-compensated shoulder function, and minimal radiographic degenerative changes of the glenohumeral joint as an alternative to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty or superior capsular reconstruction. Technique Description: Positioning per surgeon preference and diagnostic arthroscopy is performed. Subacromial decompression with a minimal and gentle acromioplasty is performed, followed by assessment of RCT repairability. If the tear is deemed irreparable, acromial measurements in the medial-lateral and anterior-posterior dimensions are obtained. Two pieces of acellular dermal allograft are cut to the acromial dimensions and affixed together using fibrin glue. The reactive side (facing the acromion), medial, and anterior sides of the graft are labeled. Two suture tapes are passed through the corners of the graft and self-locked and run diagonally in a cruciate configuration using an antegrade suture passer. Medial and lateral #2 fiberwire sutures are placed in a luggage-tag configuration. Neviaser (posterior), middle, and anterior acromioclavicular joint portals are created for medial sided suture passage. Medial graft sutures are shuttled through the respective medial portals and the graft is pulled into the subacromial space. The lateral sutures are then removed from percutaneous posterolateral, middle lateral, and anterolateral portals along the acromial edge. Medial sutures are retrieved using a suture grasper subcutaneously on top of the acromion through the percutaneous lateral portals. The sutures are tied through the lateral portals, starting with the medial-lateral sutures, and the knots are buried. Postoperatively, patients are progressed through passive, active-assisted, and active range of motion between weeks 2 and 6 and strengthening is progressed at 6 weeks. Results: Clinical results are lacking in the literature, but anecdotal results in our institution have demonstrated promising early outcomes. Discussion/Conclusion: BAR represents a promising alternative in the array of surgical options for treatment of irreparable RCTs.


Author(s):  
Bernardo Barcellos Terra ◽  
Tannous Jorge Sassine ◽  
Benno Ejnisman ◽  
Alberto de Castro Pochini ◽  
Paulo Santoro Belangero

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.


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