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Arthroscopic knotless repair: an effective technique for small-sized supraspinatus tendon tears
Mathilde Gaume1, Laure Pages2, Mohammad Bahman2
1Orthopedics Department, Bichat Hospital, Paris Diderot University, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France. mathilde.gaume@aphp.fr.
Purpose:
The purpose was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of knotless repair with flat-braided suture in full small-sized supraspinatus tendon tears (< 1 cm).
Methods:
A consecutive series of 54 patients with isolated small supraspinatus tendon tear (< 1 cm and Goutallier index < 2) was evaluated in the study. Patients underwent a knotless arthroscopic repair using flat-braided suture (2 mm wide). Minimal follow-up required was 5 years. Changes in Murley-Constant score, ASES score, strength, and pain relief were assessed. The Sugaya score was used to confirm the tendon repair on MRI. Data were analyzed in two subgroups: technique with additional U point for dog ear deformity (group 1) and technique without additional U point (group 2). The immobilization period was 3 weeks long. Passive mobilization was immediate.
Results:
Fifty-four patients were included. Mean age was 57 ± 4 years. The average follow-up was 68 ± 10 months. Average preoperative score of Constant was 51.2 ± 8.5 and 83.1 ± 14.6 at the end of the follow-up (p < 0.001). Mean VAS went from 5.8 ± 1.8 to 1.9 ± 2.1 (p < 0.001). Average forward elevation of the shoulder went from 86.3° ± 9 preoperatively to 169.6° ± 15.9 at the end of the follow-up (p < 0.001). The strength score was significantly higher post-operatively (18.4 vs. 8.3, p < 0.001.). The ASES score was significantly improved 49.1 ± 13.1 vs. 88.6 ± 15.8, p < 0.001). The MRI assessment revealed 94% of Sugaya 1-2. No significant difference was observed between group 1 and 2 regarding all clinical outcomes. Two complex regional pain syndromes were described with a favorable evolution. Three patients presented a retear requiring an iterative arthroscopic repair.
Conclusion:
The use of a knotless arthroscopic construct with flat-braided suture for small supraspinatus repair achieved excellent structural and clinical results. This technique is fully adequate for the arthroscopic treatment of such tears, enabling early mobilization.
Level Of Evidence:
Level III.
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