Arthroscopic repair of large and massive rotator cuff tears using the side-to-side suture technique. Mid-term clinical and anatomic evaluation

SummaryPreambleArthroscopic repair is our treatment of choice for massive rotator cuff tears. In order to reduce tension, we perform a side-to-side suture technique. The purpose of our work was to study the outcome of such technique by evaluating functional score and rotator cuff integrity using ultrasound at 2-year follow-up.HypothesisThe “side-to-side” arthroscopic repair of large and massive rotator cuff tears provides a long-term continuity of rotator cuff mechanism, enhances function and relieves pain with low morbidity.Type of studyRetrospective monocenter study.Material and methodsWe included a continuous series of 50 patients of mean age 66.6 years (46–80), operated on between January 2007 and March 2008 for full-thickness retracted tears of the supraspinatus extending or not to the infraspinatus tendon. Management consisted of arthroscopic subacromial bursectomy, acromioplasty and side-to-side repair of the rotator cuff tendons with secure anchor fixation to the tuberosity. The relative Constant score was used for clinical evaluation preoperatively and at a minimum of 24 months after surgery. The continuity of rotator cuff mechanism was evaluated using ultrasound.ResultsThe mean relative Constant score improved significantly (p