Effect of different geometrical structure of scapula on functional recovery after shoulder arthroscopy operation

There are no published studies of the influence of geometry of the scapula on the postoperative recovery of rotator cuff injuries. Our aim was to explore the relationship between the critical shoulder angle (CSA), acromion index (AI), glenoid inclination (GI), and postoperative repair outcomes in shoulder joints after arthroscopic supraspinatus tendon repair.

Sixty two patients suffering a supraspinatus tear were analyzed retrospectively following failure of conservative treatment and subsequent shoulder arthroscopy in our hospital. Standard anterior and posterior X-rays of the injured shoulder had been performed prior to surgery, with follow ups for at least 2 years (24-43 months). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed 2 years after surgery to assess repair of the supraspinatus tendon. Patients were divided into either the intact or re-tear group, according to the MRI results. In addition, assessments using the Constant Shoulder Score (CSS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) Shoulder Assessment Form, the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score and visual analog scale (VAS) score were performed to establish shoulder function at the 2-year evaluation for each patient.

The mean CSA of all patients was 35.79° ± 3.59°, mean AI was 0.72 ± 0.05, and mean GI was 15.87° ± 3.62°. The CSA, AI, and GI in the intact group were statistically significantly different than the re-tear group (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between the magnitude of the CSA, AI, or GI and any shoulder function score (p > 0.05).

The geometry of the scapula had no significant effect on the recovery of postoperative function of patients with rotator cuff injury, but the value of the CSA, AI, and GI affected the risk of rotator cuff re-tear.