Clin Should Elbow.  2010 Dec;13(2):181-187.

Clinical Results of Arthroscopic Repair of Full-thickness Rotator Cuff Tear Using Suture Bridge Technique

• Seo JS
• Park SH
• Kim WH

Abstract

PURPOSE
To determine clinical results for arthroscopic repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear using a suture bridge technique.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between November, 2007 and October, 2008, we evaluated 90 cases of arthroscopic middle, large rotator tear cuff repair. The mean follow-up period was 15 months (range, 12-23 months). Forty-three cases had medium-sized tears; 47 cases had large-sized tears. At the preoperative stage and again at last follow-up, functional results were assessed by the KSS, ASES, UCLA and the PVAS (Pain visual analogue score).
RESULTS
Pain score improved from 2.56 preoperatively to 0.96 at final follow-up; movement scores improved from 6.94 to 1.70. At. final follow-up, the average UCLA score improved from 17.08 to 31.17 with 31 excellent (34%), 49 good (54%) and 10 poor results (12%). The final UCLA score was 31.47 in the group less than 60 years of age and 30.69 in the group over 61 years of age (p=0.344). The UCLA score was 31.23 in those with medium-sized tears and 31.11 in those with large-sized tears (p=0.924). The UCLA score was 31.10 in non-trauma patients and 31.23 in trauma patients (p=0.929).
CONCLUSION
Arthroscopic repair of a full-thickness rotator cuff tear using a suture bridge technique can produce excellent clinical results. These outcomes are not affected by age or trauma history.

MeSH Terms

Acrylic Resins
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Rotator Cuff
Shoulder
Sutures
Acrylic Resins