J Korean Shoulder Elbow Soc.
2010 Jun;13(1):146-152.
Debridement or Tuberoplasty for Massive Rotator Cuff Tear
- Affiliations
-
- 1Shoulder & Elbow Clinic, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyung Hee University East-West Neo Medical Center, Seoul, Korea. nscos1212@empal.com
- 2Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
- PURPOSE
The purpose of this article was to review the effectiveness of arthroscopic debridement and tuberoplasty, and to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of our series for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears in the elderly.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We reviewed articles that focused on the treatment options and decision making for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears. In particular, we summarized the reported results of arthroscopic debridement and tuberoplasty for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears in the elderly. Among consecutive patients who had arthroscopic tuberoplasty for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears in our series, thirty-two patients available for clinical and radiological evaluation at a mean follow-up of 29 months (range, 13-52 months) were enrolled and reviewed for the analysis.
RESULTS
At the last follow-up, the range of active forward flexion increased significantly with excellent pain relief and improvement in the ability to perform the activities of daily living. However, the group with less than 2 mm in preoperative acromiohumeral distance showed inferior postoperative results.
CONCLUSION
Arthroscopic tuberoplasty may be an alternative option in irreparable massive rotator cuff tears for pain relief and improvement of range of motion. However, good results can not be expected if the acromiohumeral distance is less than 2 mm preoperatively and decreases postoperatively, or when the preoperative range of motion is less than 90degrees on flexion and abduction.
