A comparison of the double-locking loop stitching technique and traditional repair techniques for partial-thickness bursal-side rotator cuff tears: randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This prospective randomized study compared the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing arthroscopic repair for partial-thickness bursal-side rotator cuff tears (PT-BRCTs) using the double-locking loop stitching technique (DLLST) versus traditional conversion-to-full-thickness repair techniques.

METHODS

The study included 110 patients with PT-BRCTs exceeding 50% of tendon thickness. They were randomly assigned to two groups during surgery. Ninety-four patients completed follow-up (Group I: DLLST, n = 43; Group II: traditional repair, n = 51). Clinical outcomes, including range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant score, and modified SF-12 quality-of-life scores, were assessed preoperatively, at 3 months, and final follow-up. Postoperative MRI evaluated tendon integrity.

RESULTS

Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in all clinical parameters (P < 0.05). At final follow-up, Group I exhibited superior ASES (91.25 ± 2.88 vs. 89.95 ± 3.24, P = 0.042) and Constant scores (91.19 ± 2.73 vs. 90 ± 2.76, P = 0.040), along with faster pain reduction at 3 months (VAS: 2.19 ± 1.33 vs. 2.67 ± 0.99, P = 0.023). No significant differences were observed in SF-12 scores (P > 0.05). MRI confirmed complete tendon healing in all cases.

CONCLUSION

Both techniques provided satisfactory functional recovery and pain relief for PT-BRCTs exceeding 50% of tendon thickness. However, DLLST achieved faster functional restoration while preserving tendon integrity, suggesting its potential as a biomechanically advantageous alternative.