Arthroscopically assisted mini-open rotator cuff repairs. Functional outcome at 2- to 7-year follow-up

The functional outcome of 22 consecutive patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears repaired using an arthroscopically assisted technique was evaluated. The average follow-up was 39 months (24 to 80), and the average tear size was 3.5 cm (1 to 7). There were 14 men and 8 women, with a mean age of 56 years (29 to 80); 86% of patients (N = 19) were satisfied with the results of surgery and 95% (N = 21) had improvement of their symptoms. All patients had a statistically significant improvement in pain and active abduction in the scapular plane and in external rotation. Postoperative strength in external rotation and abduction averaged 95% and 97% of the contralateral shoulder, respectively. Preoperative duration of symptoms, strength, age, and tear size were found to be independent predictors of outcome. The average Constant and Murley score was 84 of 100, the average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 81 of 100, and the average University of California, Los Angeles, score was 31 of 35. Our results show that an arthroscopically assisted repair of full-thickness, moderate-to-large rotator cuff tears using uniform surgical technique and rehabilitation protocols provides excellent outcome with regard to function, pain, and activities of daily living.