[Constant point evaluation for reconstruction of the rotator cuff]

Thirteen patients aged 36-63 years underwent surgery for full thickness rotator cuff rupture. The average follow-up was 21.1 months (range 12-36 months). Supraspinatus tendon was torn in 7 cases, supraspinatus and infraspinatus in 4, subscapularis in 1 and all three tendons were ruptured in 1 patient. Subacromial decompression and cuff reconstruction was done in 11 cases, decompression combined with cuff debridement and partial subscapularis tendon reconstruction in 1 case and subscapularis reconstruction in 1 patient. Constant Score (version corrected for age and sex) was used for shoulder function evaluation. There were 6 very good, 4 good, 1 fair and 2 bad results. Recurrence of cuff tear was diagnosed sonographically in 2 cases of both supra- and infraspinatus rupture. Statistical analysis disclosed significant correlation between extent of the tear and final functional result. Constant Score can be recommended as an objective and useful method for shoulder function assessment.