Summary

It is unknown both the impact of high critical shoulder angle after the repair of rotator cuff and if the surgery itself may alter the natural development of recovery.

Abstract

- Background
The critical shoulder angle (CSA) has been described by Moor et al. CSA as a radiographic measure defined by the angle between a line connecting the inferior margin of the glenoid to the inferolateral edge of the acromion and a line connecting the superior and the inferior margins of the glenoid.
CSA over 35º has been demonstrated to be associated with an increased of rotator cuff tears (RCT), although RCT are multifactorial. CSA has been demonstrated as positively associated with the incidence of rotator cuff tears.

Hypothesis

Our hypothesis was that individuals with CSA over 35º have poor patient-reported outcome score and more re-tear prevalence when compared with those with CSA lower than 35º.

Methods

Cohort Study of 100 patients with atraumatic full-thickness RCTs who underwent arthroscopic RCR were retrospectively evaluated. Demographic data as well as preoperative CSA, complications, re-tear and Constant-Murley score at 7 years.

- Result
Controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics, a multilevel regression analysis, demonstrated that the CSA was not a significant independent predictor for change in Constant-Murley score (P. 173) or re-tear (P. 678) at 7 years after arthroscopic RCR.
The correlation between the re-tear and low value of Constant-Murley score was positive.

Conclusion

In our study, the preoperatory CSA did not appear to be a significant predictor of re-tear of RCT and poor outcome in Constant-Murley score at 7 years after repair of atraumatic full-thickness RCTs.