Clin Should Elbow.  2011 Dec;14(2):165-171.

Clinical Results of Arthroscopic Transtendon Suture Technique of Partial Articular Surface Tendon Avulsion Lesion

• Kim JY
• Chun CH
• Kim JW
• Kang HJ
• Song SY
• Choi YH

Abstract

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.

MeSH Terms

Arthroscopy
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Male
Range of Motion, Articular
Rotator Cuff
Shoulder
Suture Techniques
Sutures
Tendons