Single-row arthroscopic cuff repair with double-loaded anchors provides good shoulder function in long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of arthroscopic cuff reconstruction, which is currently preferred in our service, and to compare functional outcome after arthroscopic cuff reconstruction comparing different types and sizes of rotator cuff tears. We switched completely from open repair to the full-arthroscopic repair > ten years ago, and since then, we are developing a technique that can produce the best results. Therefore, we decided to verify results.

METHODS: Seventy-two patients with rotator cuff tear underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Single-row arthroscopic repair using double-loaded metal anchors and margin-convergence sutures with concomitant procedures were performed in all cases. All patients were assessed and classified before and after surgery using the Constant scoring system and the Oxford Shoulder Score. Tears were measured and classified as medium (1-3 cm), large(3-5 cm) and massive (>5 cm).

RESULTS: The average age of participants was 59 ± 9 years (33-76). There were five medium, 43 large and 23 massive tears. The average functional Constant score at the last follow-up was 91.68 ± 10.62, and the Oxford score averaged 43.23 ± 5.84 without statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) among groups Best results were in the massive-tear group, with an overall Constant score of 98.60 ± 2.61 and an average Oxford score of 47.60 ± 0.55. Full recovery was obtained between six months and one year. We used our own modified rehabilitation protocol and found no postoperative stiffness in this series.

CONCLUSIONS: Single-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using double-loaded metal anchors and margin-convergence sutures with concomitant procedures, when necessary, provides excellent results. Pain, range of motion, muscle strength and function were significantly improved after single-row repair among all morphological types of cuff lesions.