Functional outcome following arthroscopic repair of massive rotator cuff tears is equal to smaller rotator cuff tears: a retrospective case–control study. (July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leow, Jun M; Krahelski, Oliver; Keenan, Oisin JF; Clement, Nicholas D; McBirnie, Julie M
• Is Part Of: Shoulder & elbow. Volume 14(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 52
• Page End: 58
• Publication Date: 2022-07
• Subjects: Massive rotator cuff tear -- shoulder arthroscopy; Elbow -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Elbow -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Shoulder -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Shoulder -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Shoulder -- Periodicals; Elbow -- Periodicals; Shoulder Joint -- Periodicals; Elbow Joint -- Periodicals; 617.572005
• DOI: 10.1177/1758573220925040
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1758-5732

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of studies comparing patient-reported outcomes of arthroscopic massive rotator cuff repairs against non-massive rotator cuff repairs. The aim of this study is to assess the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and Oxford Shoulder Score at a minimum of one-year follow-up according to the size of the rotator cuff tear. Methods: A retrospective case–control study was undertaken. All patients underwent rotator cuff repairs using the same technique by a single surgeon. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and Oxford Shoulder Score were collected pre-operatively and at final review with a minimum follow-up of one year. Patients with massive rotator cuff repairs were compared to patients who had non-massive rotator cuff repairs. Results: Eighty-two patients were included in the study of which 42 (51%) underwent massive rotator cuff repair. The mean follow-up period was 17.5 months. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire improved significantly (p < 0.001) from 46.1 pre-operatively to 15.6 at final follow-up for massive rotator cuff repairs. Oxford Shoulder Score improved significantly (p < 0.001) from 26.9 pre-operatively to 41.4 at final follow-up for massive rotator cuff repairs. There was no significant difference in the final Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (p = 0.35) or Oxford Shoulder Score (p = 0.45) between the groups. No revision surgery was required within the follow-up period. Conclusion: Arthroscopic massive rotator cuff repairs have comparable functional outcome to smaller rotator cuff repair in the short-term and should be considered in a selected group of patients.