In-vitro reconstruction of massive rotator cuff ruptures with triceps tendon or coracoacromial ligament

The possibility of reconstructing a massive rotator cuff rupture with a free graft of the triceps tendon or the coracoacromial ligament was tested experimentally in an anatomical and biophysical cadaver investigation. After dissection of the rotator cuff, a section of the supraspinatus tendon was removed to simulate a defect in the cuff. In dissection of the grafts, a bony squama was incorporated by osteotomy. The rotator cuff was reconstructed by suturing the free grafts into the defect. In addition, the bony squama was refixed in a prepared bone groove in the greater tuberosity of the humerus. The tensile strength and the elasticity of the grafts were compared with that of the supraspinatus tendon in rupture tests. The mean value of the maximum load determined (FRm) was greatest for the triceps tendon (706.451 N), while very much lower values were found for the coracoacromial ligament (395.836 N) and the supraspinatus tendon (496.792 N). The mean value of the maximum elasticity (LAm) was lowest for the coracoacromial ligament (4.701%); the supraspinatus tendon (7.047%) and the triceps tendon (8.250%) showed very much greater elasticity.