Modified superior capsule reconstruction using the peroneus longus for irreparable massive rotator-cuff tears: A cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND

Irreparable massive rotator cuff tears (IMRCTs) present substantial treatment challenges, highlighting the necessity of making effective treatments available.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of a modified procedure of superior capsule reconstruction (mSCR) employing the autologous peroneus longus tendon for the treatment of irreparable massive rotator-cuff tears (IMRCTs), encompassing the entire supraspinatus tendon and 50% of the infraspinatus tendon.

METHODS

Seven cadaveric specimens were tested at 0°, 30°, and 60° glenohumeral abduction under the following three conditions: (1) intact, (2) IMRCT, and (3) mSCR using the autologous peroneus longus tendon. Humeral rotational range of motion (ROM), superior translation of the humeral head, and subacromial contact pressure were measured. Repeated-measures ANOVA was followed by Tukey's post hoc test to perform statistical analyses.

RESULTS

At all the abduction angles, superior translation of the humeral head and subacromial contact pressure were higher in the IMRCT group than in the intact group but were significantly lower in the mSCR group than in the IMRCT group. All these differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The mSCR procedure can reduce the superior translation of the humeral head and subacromial contact pressure without limiting humeral ROM in IMRCTs. Utilizing mSCR with the peroneus longus tendon may serve as a therapeutic approach for IMRCTs.