Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: analysis of technique and results at 2- and 3-year follow-up

We present 53 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and had a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Most tears were avulsions of the supraspinatus from the greater tuberosity, some with associated longitudinal tears. Longitudinal tears were repaired with a side-to-side suturing technique. Avulsion tears from the tuberosity were repaired using nonretrievable suture anchors. Traditional open-mobilization techniques, such as elevating the cuff off the glenoid neck and scapular fossa, and cutting the coraco-humeral ligament, were performed arthroscopically as needed. All repairs were performed using O-PDS or 1-PDS suture and a 7-mm suture punch for suture delivery. Both simple and mattress suture configurations were used. An anterolateral operative portal was used in most cases. A modified UCLA rating system that included additional points for abduction range of motion and strength was adapted for clinical evaluation in this study (maximum score, 45 points). The average preoperative rating was 17 (range, 9 to 26). The average postoperative rating was 41 (range, 16 to 45). There were 36 excellent (41 to 45 points), 13 good (36 to 40 points), 1 fair (30 to 35 points), and 3 poor (< 30 points) results. We have seen intraoperative but no cases of postoperative anchor pullout. The simple sutures performed as well as, and in some ways better than, mattress configurations. All fair and good results were with O-PDS. To perform an arthroscopic repair, the tear must be well visualized and mobilizable back to the tuberosity with only moderate tension. The anterolateral operative portal has been very useful because it allows better angle of entry for instruments and anchors and improved visualization in the subacromial space. The use of PDS and simple suture configurations has made the repair technically easier to perform with the instruments that are currently available. We do recommend 1-PDS suture because it breaks less easily even though it is slightly more difficult to deliver and tie. Arthroscopic cuff mobilization is relatively simple and has allowed us to repair larger tears. Based on our experience, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is technically achievable and a superior alternative in selected cases for an experienced shoulder arthroscopist. Patients who underwent arthroscopic repairs had less scarring and shorter hospital stays and, we believe, less postoperative pain and easier rehabilitation compared with open repairs.