Functional and Radiographic Outcomes After Arthroscopic Transosseous Suture Repair of Medium Sized Rotator Cuff Tears

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the functional and anatomical outcomes after arthroscopic transosseous suture (TOS) repair of 2 to 4 cm sized rotator cuff tears and to identify preoperative factors influencing repair failure.

Methods: From May 2013 to August 2014, patients with symptomatic 2 to 4 cm full-thickness tears underwent arthroscopic TOS repair, and those who could be followed up for a minimum of 2 years were included in this retrospective study. Functional and anatomical outcomes were analyzed up to 2 years postoperatively. Factors affecting cuff repair failure were evaluated, using both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results: Twenty-seven patients were included. On preoperative magnetic resonance imaging data, the mean anteroposterior dimension tear size was 27.0 ± 3.3 mm and mean retraction was 30.7 ± 3.1 mm. Anatomic failure (Sugaya III, IV, and V) rate was 33% with arthroscopic TOS repair; however, significant improvements were found regardless of cuff healing. Mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (range, 0-100) improved from 48.8 ± 16.6 preoperatively to 80.1 ± 11.1 postoperatively (P < .001), mean Constant score (range, 0-100) improved from 54.5 ± 11.8 to 73.7 ± 8.5 (P < .001), and mean pain visual analog scale score (range, 0-10) improved from 3.9 ± 1.7 to 2.0 ± 1.1 (P < .001). These changes reached each minimal clinically important difference previously reported. Greater tear size in anteroposterior dimension (P = .034), decreased acromiohumeral distance (P = .022), and higher fatty infiltration of supraspinatus (P = .011) were independent preoperative factors associated with repair failure. Twelve patients (44%) experienced intraoperative bone laceration.

Conclusions: Arthroscopic TOS repair was a reliable technique for patients with 2 to 4 cm size rotator cuff tear. Preoperative factors associated with cuff repair failure were greater tear size in anteroposterior dimension, decreased acromiohumeral distance, and higher fatty infiltration of supraspinatus.

Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.