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Trans-tendon arthroscopic repair for partial-thickness articular side tears of the rotator cuff

  • Shoulder
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Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy Aims and scope

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe a modified trans-tendon method of repairing partial articular surface lesions, which restored the footprint of the rotator cuff anatomically.

Methods

The 24 consecutive patients with modified trans-tendon method which allowed a wider pressurized contact area by use of additional knotless anchor were included in this study. All patients were evaluated with ASES score and visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively, postoperative 3 and 12 months. The strength was measured using Isobex digital strength analyzer preoperatively and postoperative 12 months.

Results

The ASES scores significantly improved from preoperative 38 ± 13 to 63 ± 5 at 3 months, and 89 ± 5 at 12 months postoperatively. The VAS scores also significantly improved from preoperative 6.6 ± 1.1 to 2 ± 0.7 at 3 months, 0.6 ± 0.7 at 12 months. The strengths significantly increased postoperatively, and there were no significant differences between affected and unaffected shoulders at 12 months postoperatively (P > 0.05). The 22 of 24 patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with postoperative result at 12 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

This arthroscopic-modified trans-tendon suture bridge technique for partial-thickness articular side tears of the rotator cuff has shown excellent functional results and very high satisfaction rate of patient during the 12-month follow-up period.

Level of evidence

Evidence therapeutic study, Level IV.

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Correspondence to Yon-Sik Yoo.

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Seo, YJ., Yoo, YS., Kim, DY. et al. Trans-tendon arthroscopic repair for partial-thickness articular side tears of the rotator cuff. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 19, 1755–1759 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-010-1362-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-010-1362-3

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