Delamination tearing of the rotator cuff: prospective analysis of the influence of delamination tearing on the outcome of arthroscopically assisted mini open rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND

Limited information regarding the effect of delamination tearing on the outcome of rotator cuff repair is available in the literature. Studies have reported equally good results for rotator cuff repair using an open, mini-open, and arthroscopic repair techniques. Negative results have been reported for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair when delamination is present. The purpose of this study was to assess the affect of delamination on the outcome of the arthroscopically assisted mini-open technique.

MATERIALS AND METHOD: Two-hundred sixty-three consecutive operations were followed prospectively in this study. All underwent arthroscopically assisted mini-open repairs by a single surgeon. Patient demographics, compensation status, and tear characteristics were investigated. Variables were compared using the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) pre-operatively and at 1 and 2 years postoperative.

RESULTS

The incidence of delamination was 71% of rotator cuff tears. Patient demographics did not affect the incidence of delamination. The presence of delamination did not affect the outcome of mini-open rotator cuff repair.

CONCLUSION

We believe this technique is better able to produce reliable outcomes in the presence of delamination tearing.