Midterm outcome of arthroscopic revision repair of massive and nonmassive rotator cuff tears
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Updated: May 28, 2026
Modified Long Head of Biceps Tendon Rerouting and Fixation as Partial Capsular Reconstruction for Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears
Published on: March 6, 2026
Alexandre Lädermann1, Patrick J Denard, Stephen S Burkhart
1Division of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm functional outcome of arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair and compare the outcomes of nonmassive and massive rotator cuff tears.
Methods:
We performed a retrospective review of patients over a 10-year period who underwent arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair. The cohort was divided into 2 groups based on tear size (nonmassive and massive tears).
Results:
The cohort consisted of 21 nonmassive tears and 53 massive tears with a mean follow-up of 63 months. The 2 groups had similar baseline characteristics. In the overall cohort, after arthroscopic revision repair, there was a significant reduction in pain (P < .001) and increase in active forward elevation (P = .003) and functional outcome by American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (P < .001) and University of California, Los Angeles score (P < .001). The rate of patient satisfaction was 78%. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups (nonmassive v massive) in postoperative forward elevation, pain, or functional outcome. A poor functional outcome according to the University of California, Los Angeles score was associated with female sex (P = .005), preoperative active forward flexion below 136° (P = .004), and preoperative pain score greater than 5 points (P = .002).
Conclusions:
The results of this study suggest that arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair is a reasonable treatment option, even in cases of massive retears. Tear size does not appear to affect final outcome. This technique can yield reliable improvements in active forward elevation and functional outcome and a decrease in pain at an acceptably high rate in this difficult patient population. Female sex, preoperative forward elevation less than 136°, and preoperative pain score greater than 5 points are poor prognostic risk factors for obtaining a satisfactory functional outcome with arthroscopic revision repair.
Level Of Evidence:
Level IV, therapeutic case series.
