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Updated: Aug 19, 2026
A Novel Arthroscopic Medial Knot-Tying Suture-Bridge Repair with Rip-Stop Technique for Rotator Cuff Tears
Published on: January 13, 2026
Sports activity after arthroscopic superior labral repair using suture anchors in overhead-throwing athletes
Junji Ide1, Satoshi Maeda, Katsumasa Takagi
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kumamoto University Hospital, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Honjo 1-1-1, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan. ide@kaiju.medic.kumamoto-u.ac.jp
Purpose:
To evaluate the results of arthroscopic repair of type II superior labral anterior posterior lesions of the shoulder in overhead athletes.
Hypothesis:
Such repair is useful for overhead athletes in terms of postoperative sports activity.
Study Design:
Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
Methods:
The study group was composed of 40 patients with a mean age of 24 years (range, 15-38 years); mean follow-up was 41 months (range, 24-58 months). They were divided into an overuse (n=22) and a trauma group (n=18). The authors used 2 suture anchors loaded with a nonabsorbable suture at the 11-o'clock and 1-o'clock positions through the anterosuperior and lateral trans-rotator cuff portal. A modified Rowe score and postoperative athletic activities were evaluated.
Results:
After arthroscopic repair, mean modified Rowe scores improved from 27.5 to 92.1 points (P<.0001). Rated on this scale, the results were excellent in 30 (75%), good in 6 (15%), and fair in 4 (10%) athletes; there were no poor results. Satisfactory outcomes were achieved in 36 (90%) of these patients; 30 (75%) experienced a return to the preinjury level. The complete return rate of baseball players in the overuse group was lower than that of other overhead athletes in the trauma group.
Conclusion:
Arthroscopic superior labral repair is a safe and reliable procedure in overhead athletes.
