Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026
Knotless Independent Double-Row Repair and Biceps Augmentation for Anterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears
Published on: January 23, 2026
Complications of rotator cuff surgery in which bioabsorbable anchors are used
Thomas Magee1, Marc Shapiro, Galen Hewell
1Department of Radiology, Neuroimaging Institute, 27 E Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901, USA. mageerad@cfl.rr.com
Objective:
This study assessed the utility of MRI in patients with new or persistent pain after surgery with bioabsorbable rotator cuff anchors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. Three musculoskeletal radiologists prospectively reviewed MRIs of 30 patients with pain after rotator cuff repair with fixation by rotator cuff anchors. Each radiologist described the location of the rotator cuff anchors and whether the supraspinatus tendon was intact or not. MRI findings were correlated with second-look arthroscopy. Consensus MRI interpretations by the three radiologists were obtained retrospectively.
Results:
Of the 30 patients, nine had dislodgement of the rotator cuff anchors from the humeral head along with a full-thickness supraspinatus tendon retear. The dislodged rotator cuff anchor position could be determined on coronal and sagittal MRIs, providing the orthopedic surgeon a preoperative map for tendon reattachment and retrieval of the dislodged rotator cuff anchor. Four patients had loose rotator cuff anchors but intact supraspinatus tendons. Three patients had supraspinatus tendon retears, but the rotator cuff anchors were intact. In all 16 patients, arthroscopic findings confirmed MRI findings. Fourteen patients had intact rotator cuff anchors and intact supraspinatus tendons on MRI. Of these 14 patients, five had second-look arthroscopy confirming MRI findings.
Conclusion:
MRI is useful in the assessment of patients with persistent or new-onset pain after supraspinatus tendon repair with rotator cuff anchors. MRI provides a presurgical map for second-look arthroscopy to assess retear of the supraspinatus tendon and also aids in retrieval of dislodged rotator cuff anchors.
Insights
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) effectively evaluates patients experiencing pain after rotator cuff repair using bioabsorbable anchors. MRI aids surgeons by mapping anchor positions and assessing supraspinatus tendon integrity before revision surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Rotator cuff repair often utilizes bioabsorbable anchors.
- Postoperative pain can arise from anchor issues or tendon retears.
- Accurate assessment of these complications is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in patients with new or persistent pain following rotator cuff repair using bioabsorbable anchors.
- To correlate MRI findings with second-look arthroscopy results.
Main Methods:
- Prospective review of MRIs from 30 patients with post-rotator cuff repair pain.
- Musculoskeletal radiologists assessed anchor location and supraspinatus tendon integrity.
- Findings were compared with subsequent arthroscopic evaluations.
Main Results:
- Nine patients showed anchor dislodgement and full-thickness supraspinatus tendon retear.
- MRI accurately mapped dislodged anchors for surgical planning.
- Arthroscopy confirmed MRI findings in all evaluated cases (16/16).
Conclusions:
- MRI is a valuable tool for assessing persistent pain after rotator cuff repair with bioabsorbable anchors.
- MRI provides essential presurgical information for retear assessment and dislodged anchor retrieval.
- This imaging modality aids in planning revision surgeries and improving patient management.