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Updated: Nov 11, 2025
Arthroscopic Management of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Whole Rotator Cable Reconstruction Using Proximal Biceps Tendon Autograft
Published on: June 6, 2025
Tendon-to-bone healing after repairing full-thickness rotator cuff tear with a triple-loaded single-row method in
He-Bei He1, Tao Wang2, Min-Cong Wang1
1Department of Joint Surgery, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.
Background:
Arthroscopic repair is recommended for young patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCTs), but the healing rates have raised concerns. The Southern California Orthopedic Institute (SCOI) row method has been developed based on greater than 3 decades of experience with excellent clinical outcomes; however, studies with a focus on the younger patient population are limited in number. The current study assessed the short-term clinical outcome and the initial tendon-to-bone healing in a young cohort after repair of a full-thickness RCT using the SCOI row method.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study was performed. Patients < 55 years of age who had a full-thickness RCT and underwent an arthroscopic repair using the SCOI row method were reviewed. Clinical outcomes were assessed at baseline, and 3 and 6 months post-operatively. The visual analog scale (VAS), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) scale, and Constant-Murley score were completed to assess pain and function. Active range of motion was also examined, including abduction and flexion of the involved shoulder. A preoperative MRI was obtained to assess the condition of the torn tendon, while 3- and 6-month postoperative MRIs were obtained to assess tendon-to-bone healing. Repeated measurement ANOVA and chi-square tests were used as indicated.
Results:
Eighty-nine patients (57 males and 32 females) with a mean age of 44.1 ± 8.6 years who met the criteria were included in the study. Compared with baseline, clinical outcomes were significantly improved 3 and 6 months postoperatively based on improvement in the VAS, UCLA score, and Constant-Murley score, as well as range of motion. Greater improvement was also noted at the 6-month postoperative assessment compared to the 3-month postoperative assessment. Three- and six-month postoperative MRIs demonstrated intact repairs in all shoulders and footprint regeneration, which supported satisfactory tendon-to-bone healing. The mean thickness of regeneration tissue was 7.35 ± 0.76 and 7.75 ± 0.79 mm as measured from the 3- and 6-month MRI (P = 0.002). The total satisfactory rate was 93.3 %.
Conclusions:
Arthroscopic primary rotator cuff repair of a full-thickness RCT using the SCOI row method in patients < 55 years of age yields favorable clinical outcomes and early footprint regeneration.
