Clin Should Elbow.  2010 Dec;13(2):250-259.

The Evaluation for the Usefulness and Clinical Results of Arthroscopic Double Row Repair with UU Stitch for Massive Sized Full Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear

• Ko SH
• Jeon HM
• Shin SM

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and clinical results of arthroscopic double row repair with UU stitches for massive, full-thickness, rotator cuff tears.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between January 2007 and July 2009, we consulted on 36 massive tears in which it was possible to repair the middle area of the greater tuberosity by arthroscopy. One group consisted of 11 cases that had a double row repair with UU stitches. A second group consisted of 20 cases that had a single row repair with simple stitches. We compared the 2 groups for pain, Activities of Daily Living, UCLA score, and KSS score. We did this pre operatively, and at 6 months, 1 year and final follow-ups. Statistical analysis included Student's t test and a paired t est. Mean age was 59 (48~70); mean follow-up was 28 (12~43) months.
RESULTS
VAS scores decreased from 7.5 pre operatively to 1.5 post operatively at the last f/u in the 1st group (p<0.05). In the 2nd group, the score decreased from 7.6 in pre op to 1.8 post operatively at the last f/u (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). Mean ADL increased from 11.5 to 25.1 at the last f/u in the 1st group (p<0.05); in the 2nd group the ADL score increased from 11.3 to 27.5 (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). The UCLA score increased from 13.9 to 31.6 in the 1st group (p<0.05), while in the 2nd group the score increased from 13.8 to 30.1 (p<0.05); there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05). Comparing MRIs at 3 and 6 months post op, there were retears in 3 of 9 cases in the first group, and in 8 of 15 cases in the second group; there was no significant difference between the two groups (p>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Arthroscopic double row repair with UU stitches for massive, full-thickness rotator cuff tears showed no differences in clinical results. However, it was associated with a significant difference in the incidence of retears.

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Arthroscopy
Follow-Up Studies
Incidence
Rotator Cuff
Shoulder