The results of arthroscopic subscapularis tendon repairs

The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients after an arthroscopic subscapularis tendon repair to determine their intermediate-term results.

The records of all patients who underwent an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair by the senior author (S.S.B.) between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2003, were reviewed. Patients were excluded from the study if their rotator cuff was repaired but there was not a subscapularis tear. Forty patients were included in this study. The median follow-up from the date of surgery to the last clinical evaluation was 5.0 years (range, 3.2 to 7.1 years). All patients had a complete history, physical examination, and plain radiographs of their shoulders. Both the modified University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) scores were calculated.

The visual analog scale for pain (mean +/- standard deviation) improved significantly (P < .001) from 6.1 +/- 2.4 preoperatively to 0.9 +/- 1.4 at the latest clinical follow-up evaluation; similarly, the mean modified ASES score improved significantly (P < .001) from 40.5 +/- 15.7 preoperatively to 91.2 +/- 12.7, and the mean modified UCLA score improved significantly (P < .001) from 15.7 +/- 4.2 preoperatively to 31.6 +/- 4.8. According to the UCLA scoring system, there were 18 excellent, 14 good, 6 fair, and 2 poor results. Eighty-three percent of patients returned to their usual work, sport, or hobbies after the operation.

At a median follow-up of 5 years, 80% (32 of 40) of patients had a good or excellent result after an arthroscopic subscapularis tendon repair. Eighty-eight percent of patients were satisfied with their shoulders at the latest follow-up evaluation. We conclude that the intermediate-term results show that arthroscopic subscapularis tendon repairs remain a good option for the treatment of patients with subscapularis tendon tears.

Level IV, therapeutic case series.