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The functional outcome of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with double-row knotless vs knot-tying anchors

  • Orthopaedic Surgery
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Abstract

To date two main techniques are used in arthroscopic full-thickness rotator cuff tears, the conventional knot-tying suture bridge technique and the knotless technique. We evaluated whether there is a difference in clinical outcome using both techniques. Our patients underwent arthroscopic treatment of full-thickness rotator cuff tears, and we retrospectively evaluated clinical function, strength and surgery time. Eighty-three shoulders operated between September 2012 and December 2013 were included in the study. We had nineteen patients in the knotless group, and sixty-four in the knot-tying group. In addition, we performed preoperatively radiological (magnetic resonance imaging-MRI) conformation of full-thickness rotator cuff tear in our patients. For clinical evaluation, we used Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (q-DASH) and the Shoulder Pain and Disability (SPADI) score, and we measured the strength of a range of motion postoperatively using a conventional dynamometer. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, and at 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. The follow-up period was 12 months. The scores in both treatment groups improved at twelve months follow-up, but there was no statistical difference between both groups at twelve months after surgery; q-DASH score between groups (p = 0.092) and SPADI score (p = 0.700). Similarly, there was no statistical difference between the groups in regard to strength, surgery time, and range of motion at the twelve months follow-up. Our data confirm that both techniques may be used successfully to repair full-thickness rotator cuff tears with very good functional outcome.

Level of evidence IV.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopädische Klinik Luzern AG, Lucerne, Switzerland

    Pawel Zwolak, Philipp Meyer & Laszlo Molnar

  2. Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Alfried Krupp Hospital, Alfried-Krupp-Straße 21, 45131, Essen, Germany

    Pawel Zwolak

  3. Helios Klinik Rottweil, Rottweil, Germany

    Markus Kröber

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  1. Pawel Zwolak
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  2. Philipp Meyer
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Correspondence to Pawel Zwolak.

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The collection of the data for presented retrospective analysis was performed in compliance with the Helsinki Declaration.

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Zwolak, P., Meyer, P., Molnar, L. et al. The functional outcome of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with double-row knotless vs knot-tying anchors. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 142, 25–31 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-020-03584-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-020-03584-3

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