[Midterm outcome after rotator cuff reconstruction]

Rotator cuff tear is a common degenerative shoulder disorder that often requires surgical treatment. However, the correlation between the size of the tear and the functional results is somewhat controversial, which generates inconsistency among orthopaedic surgeons about the indications for and methods of rotator cuff reconstruction.

The aim of the authors was to evaluate the midterm functional outcome after rotator cuff reconstruction and the possible connection between the results and the surgical technique or the postoperative ultrasound examination. In addition, recently published corresponding studies are also reviewed by the authors.

Twenty-seven patients with full thickness rotator cuff tear were enrolled into the study who were treated either by arthroscopic (14 patients) or by open repair (13 patients) technique. Functional results were assessed using clinical tests. Ultrasound examination was also performed.

The average postoperative Constant Score was 73, the average DASH (Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score) was 14. The Constant scores averaged 80 for the arthroscopic and 70 for the open group. Ultrasound examination showed partial or full thickness retear of the cuff in 40% of the cases.

More than 70% of the patients had excellent or good results two years after the reconstruction. The change in the acromiohumeral distance or partial retear failed to affect the results significantly, but full thickness tear had an effect on them.