Clinical Results of Arthroscopic Transtendon Suture Technique of Partial Articular Surface Tendon Avulsion Lesion
PURPOSE: To analyze clinical results of arthroscopic trans-tendon repair in a partial articular-side rotator cuff tear.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 31 patients presenting with partial intra-articular rotator cuff tears between April 2006 and January 2010, we selected 24 who had received arthroscopic trans-tendon repair. The average age of patients was 55 (27~75) and the average follow-up period was 37 months (19~64). There were 10 men and 14 women and all had at least a 6 mm tear categorized as Ellman grade 3. Change in range of motion, VAS, ASES, Constant score, and ultrasonographic findings were evaluated postoperatively.RESULTS: The average forward elevation range prior to surgery was 150.2 (+/-6.67) and it improved to 170 (+/-5.32) by the last follow-up (p<0.001). The average VAS score prior to surgery was 7.38 (+/-1.38) and it decreased to 3 (+/-1.38) (p<0.001). The Constant score before surgery was 49.25 (+/-5.65) and it increased to 73.81 (+/-5.64) by the last follow-up (p<0.001). The ASES score before surgery was 39.59 (+/-12.27) and it increased to 80.56 (+/-11.36) (p<0.001). At the last follow-up, 21 of the 24 patients were satisfied with the result. However, 3 patients were unhappy and had mild pain. On ultrasonography, 22 patients (91.66%) showed improvement without re-rupture, while the other 2 patients (8.34%) showed an with improved symptoms.CONCLUSION: In a partial rotator cuff tear in an articular-side lesion, the arthroscopic transtendon suture method shows excellent clinical and ultrasonographic results for at least eighteen months.