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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
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Modified Long Head of Biceps Tendon Rerouting and Fixation as Partial Capsular Reconstruction for Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears
Published on: March 6, 2026
Long-term outcome after structural failure of rotator cuff repairs
Bernhard Jost1, Matthias Zumstein, Christian W A Pfirrmann
1Department of Orthopedics, University of Zurich, Balgrist, Forchstrasse 340, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume
|March 3, 2006
Summary
Rotator cuff reruptures show sustained improvement in pain, function, and strength years after surgery. Smaller supraspinatus tears may heal, indicating potential for favorable long-term outcomes in rotator cuff repair failures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Musculoskeletal Imaging
Background:
- Previous study showed improved outcomes 3.2 years post-rotator cuff rerupture.
- Rotator cuff reruptures were documented via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Patients experienced reduced pain and better function and strength compared to pre-surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess long-term clinical and structural outcomes of rotator cuff reruptures.
- To evaluate outcomes in the same patients at an extended follow-up period.
Main Methods:
- Clinical re-examination and standard radiographs at a mean of 7.6 years postoperatively.
- Repeat MRI using the same criteria as the 3.2-year follow-up.
- Assessment of pain, function, strength, and tear size.
Main Results:
- 19/20 patients remained satisfied with outcomes.
- Clinical scores (Constant score, pain, function, strength) showed no significant change from 3.2 years.
- Eight reruptures healed structurally; smaller supraspinatus tears (<400 mm²) were more likely to heal.
- Fatty infiltration of the infraspinatus and decreased acromiohumeral distance progressed significantly.
Conclusions:
- Rotator cuff reruptures maintain improved clinical outcomes (pain, function, strength, satisfaction) at 7.6 years.
- Rerupture size did not increase significantly over time.
- Supraspinatus reruptures smaller than 400 mm² demonstrated potential for structural healing.
