Efficacy of arthroscopic deep rotator cuff suture with spinal needle for rotator cuff repair in treating rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND

In arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, satisfactory postoperative outcomes can be achieved by simplifying the surgical procedure and ensuring proper integration of the deep rotator cuff tissue with the footprint area for tendon reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy of arthroscopic spinal needle sutures for the repair of rotator cuff tears.

METHODS

This retrospective study included a cohort of 81 patients with rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic suture repair using a spinal needle between January 2021 and March 2021, with a minimum follow-up duration of 27 months. Pre- and postoperative Constant-Murley Score (CMS), University of California-Los Angeles Shoulder Score (UCLASS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and range of motion (ROM) measurements, including active forward flexion, abduction, and lateral rotation angles, were compared to assess shoulder anatomy, function, strength, and subjective patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Statistically significant improvements were observed in CMS, UCLASS, VAS, and ROM postoperatively (P = 0.000). The excellent or good outcome rate was 81.48%. Age and preoperative ROM significantly influenced outcomes (P = 0.039 and P = 0.006), respectively, whereas gender and pain duration did not show a significant effect (P > 0.05). Patients older than 30 years demonstrated significantly better results (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The use of a spinal needle for rotator cuff tear repair under direct arthroscopic visualization is a safe, efficient, and clinically effective technique.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV CLINICAL/CONTROLLED TRIALS: Not applicable.