Modified load sharing rip-stop technique in patients with traumatic transtendinous rotator cuff tear: Surgical technique and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Transtendinous rotator cuff tear is likely to occur due to trauma in sports activities, with a frequency of <2% of total rotator cuff tears. These tears are difficult to treat because of limited tendon tissue in the proximal stump, and standard repair techniques are sometimes ineffective. Few studies have reported on the repair technique and clinical outcomes for transtendinous rotator cuff tear, and an appropriate repair technique has, therefore, not been established. The purpose of this study was to use our modified load sharing rip-stop technique to repair transtendinous rotator cuff tear and to clarify the clinical effectiveness of this technique.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case series review of eight patients who underwent the modified load sharing rip-stop technique for repairing traumatic transtendinous rotator cuff tear between January 2013 and June 2017. The eight patients were followed up for at least 2 years (range: 24-41 months). Cuff integrity was evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging at 12 months after surgery using the Sugaya classification. We evaluated the pre- and postoperative ranges of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Constant Shoulder Score, and muscle strength at 90° abduction. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher's exact tests. P < .05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS

Six patients were classified as Sugaya I and two as Sugaya II. ASES score (38.5-90.2, P = .0008), Constant shoulder score (36.5-79, P = .002), flexion (85°-158.1°, P = .002), abduction (85°-157.5°, P = .001), external rotation (38.8°-55°, P = .024), and muscle strength at 90° abduction (2.95-5.39 kg, P = .028) improved significantly. Six patients were able to return to their previous sports activity.

CONCLUSION

Using our modified load sharing rip-stop technique for repair of transtendinous rotator cuff tear, patients obtained good clinical outcomes and could return to sports activities.