Mid-Term Outcomes after Arthroscopic “Tear Completion Repair” of Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Different arthroscopic procedures are used for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PT-RCTs), but there is still no evidence on the superiority of one procedure over the other. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and the rate of complications of a tear completion repair (TCR) technique. Materials and Methods: Patients who had undergone arthroscopic TCR technique for PT-RCTs with a follow-up of at least 2-years after surgery were included. The TCR technique involved the removal of the “critical zone” and creating microfractures to biologically support tendon healing. Functional outcomes were assessed prospectively by the Constant score (CS) and active and passive range of movement (ROM). Pain and patient satisfaction were measured using a visual analog scale (VAS). Complication rates were recorded, and tendon integrity was assessed with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound performed at least 2-years after surgery. Results: Eighty-seven patients with a median age of 57 years were followed-up for a median of 5 years. The CS score improved from 53.5 preoperatively to 94.0 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Median VAS score decreased from 8.6 to 1.0 (p < 0.0001). Median patient satisfaction was 9.3. The overall complication rate was 14.9%. Conclusions: Patients with PT-RCTs of the supraspinatus tendon treated by the TCR technique with “critical zone” removal and biological stimulation by microfractures showed good functional results with excellent strength recovery, a high degree of patient satisfaction, and resolution of painful symptoms at mid-term follow-up.

Collagen and platelet-rich plasma in partial-thickness rotator cuff injuries. Friends or only indifferent neighbours? Randomised controlled trial

“…Various arthroscopic techniques are used in PTRCI, but there is still limited evidence supporting the advantages of one procedure over the others in terms of clinical effectiveness and the incidence of complications [ 23 , 24 ]. Fama et al [ 25 ] noted that patients with PTRCI of the supraspinatus tendon treated with the tear completion repair procedure with removal of the “critical zone” and biological stimulation via microfractures showed good outcomes, including constant score (CS) and range of motion (ROM), pain intensity (VAS), and MRI or ultrasound examinations. Moreover, in this study, conservative treatment of PTRCI with injections of collagen and PRP as monotherapy or combined therapy showed no significant difference in efficacy.…”

Sequential Ultrasound Assessment of Peri-Articular Soft Tissue in Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder: Correlations with Clinical Impairments—Sequential Ultrasound in Adhesive Capsulitis

“…Treatment options comprise conservative management including physical therapy and intraarticular steroid injection. In refractory cases where conservative treatment has been applied, surgical treatment can be the treatment option [ 1 , 14 ]. However, 20–50% of patients with adhesive capsulitis can develop long-lasting symptoms [ 7 , 15 ].…”

Transtendon Repair Under Switching-Scope Technique for Articular Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

“…For now, the results of repair after completion and transtendon repair technique still remain controversial, although good clinical outcomes of repair after completion have been shown in several studies. 13 , 14 , 15 Take-down the full thickness of rotator cuff injured the healthy bursal-side tendon tissue and destroyed the tendon integrity. Furthermore, the repair of rotator cuff with this technique led to a nonanatomic restoration of the tendon footprint, which may create a length–tension mismatch.…”