Summary

Evaluation of results after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to compare the functional and radiological results after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in young patients using single and double-row fixation.

Methods

From February 2006 to June 2010 all patients under 55 years of age with a full-thickness rotator cuff repair were included in the study after arthroscopic repair. Sixty-six consecutive patients were evaluated using the rating scale of UCLA and Constant score. Thirty-four patients were operated using the single-row technique while 32 were operated using the double-row technique. Postoperatively, cuff integrity was determined using magnetic resonance imaging. Cuff structure was classified into 5 types according to Sugaya: type I, sufficient thickness with homogenously low intensity; type II, sufficient thickness with partial high intensity; type III, insufficient thickness without discontinuity; type IV, presence of a minor discontinuity; type V, presence of a major discontinuity.

Results

The average UCLA score was 30.1 and 32.2 in the single and double-row group respectively (p=0.134). The average Constant score was 86.3 and 90.3 in the single and double-row group respectively (p=0.254). According to MRI 13 (39%) patients in the single row group and 5 (16%) patients in the double row group demonstrate cuff discontinuity. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.05). Further analysis, showed that the 48 patients with intact cuff from both groups, had significantly better UCLA and Constant scores in comparison to the 18 patients with cuff discontinuity.

Conclusions

Although there was no difference regarding functional outcomes between the two groups cuff integrity was significantly higher in the double-row repair group. Since cuff integrity may provide a good result in a long-term follow-up, we believe that the double-row technique for cuff repair should be applied for young patients.