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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
Complications after arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair
Nata Parnes1, Michael DeFranco, Jessica H Wells
1Harvard Shoulder Service, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Summary
Complications after arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair (ARRCR) occurred in 20.2% of patients, with higher rates seen after multiple revisions. Failure to heal due to poor tissue quality was the most frequent issue.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Musculoskeletal Research
Background:
- Rotator cuff tears are common injuries, and revision surgery is sometimes necessary.
- Arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair (ARRCR) aims to address failed primary repairs.
- Understanding the complication rates of ARRCR is crucial for patient management and surgical planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the complication rate associated with arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair (ARRCR).
- To analyze the types of complications following ARRCR.
- To investigate the relationship between the number of previous revision surgeries and the complication rate.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 94 patients who underwent ARRCR between 2000 and 2009.
- Analysis of patient demographics, tear characteristics (size and number of tendons involved), and concomitant procedures.
- Classification of complications and assessment of their occurrence within one year post-surgery.
Main Results:
- A 20.2% complication rate was observed within one year of ARRCR.
- Common complications included failure to heal (10.6%), stiffness (7.4%), infection (2.1%), and nerve injury (1.1%).
- A direct correlation was found between complication rates and the number of prior revision surgeries, increasing from 14% after one revision to 50% after four or more.
Conclusions:
- The complication rate for ARRCR is approximately double that of primary rotator cuff repair.
- Increasing numbers of revision surgeries are associated with a higher risk of complications.
- Poor tissue quality is a significant factor contributing to failure to heal after ARRCR.
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