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Updated: Jul 21, 2026
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Published on: July 5, 2011
Superior Capsular Reconstruction for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Technique and Associated Considerations
Benjamin Kerzner1,2, Hasani W Swindell1,2, Suhas P Dasari1,2
1Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Background:
Massive rotator cuff tears lead to superior humeral head translation and may prevent successful repair. Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) can overcome this by improving the compression and depressor effects of the rotator cuff and joint capsule simultaneously.
Indications:
SCR is indicated in young, active patients with massive rotator cuff tears or a functional cuff deficiency from a failed previous rotator cuff repair without significant arthritis, articulation of the humeral head with the acromion, or dysfunctional deltoid.
Technique Description:
During the procedure, repair of the subscapularis is performed using a polydioxanone (PDS) suture shuttling device to pass suture through the subscapularis in an inverted mattress knotless configuration. Posterior infraspinatus tendon fibers are reduced and the tuberosity is abraded and decorticated followed by completion of the partial repair of the posterior cuff. Anchors are placed on the glenoid and articular margins followed by preparation of the dermal allograft with luggage tags medially and perforation laterally. The graft is passed and secured in a double row configuration laterally with apposition of the graft to the remnant, repaired rotator cuff posteriorly.
Results:
Passive range of motion (ROM) is begun at week 4, followed by progressive active ROM at weeks 6 to 12, and advancement of full ROM and advanced strengthening begun at 3 months. With SCR, a patient can expect maximal strength and function to be regained at 1 year postoperatively. Significant clinical improvement following SCR has been seen in visual analog scale (VAS) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES) scores for most patients, although there is a varied degree of return to sport following this procedure.
Discussion/Conclusion:
Clinical evidence suggests that SCR is a beneficial therapeutic intervention for short to medium term outcomes in younger patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. More studies are needed to identify the optimal thickness of the graft.
