Arthroscopic Autologous Coracoacromial Ligament Augment Technique for Particle Thickness of Rotator Cuff with at Least Two Years Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVE: Patch technology has been the new technique in the treatment of partial thickness of the rotator cuff tear (PTRCTs) to address the limitation of traditional techniques. Compared with allogeneic patches and artificial materials, coracoacromial ligament is obviously closer to their own biology. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the functional and radiographic outcomes following arthroscopic autologous coracoacromial ligament augment technique for treatment of PTRCTs.

METHOD: This study included three female patients with PTRCTs who underwent arthroscopy operation in 2017 with an average age of 51 years (range from 50 to 52 years). The coracoacromial ligament implant was attached to the bursal side surface of the tendon. The clinical results were evaluated by American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Simple Shoulder Test (SST), acromiohumeral distance (AHD) and muscle strength before and 12 months after operation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed 24 months after operation to assess the integrity of the anatomical structure of the original tear site.

RESULT: The average ASES score improved significantly from 57.3 preoperatively to 95.0 at 1-year follow-up. The strength improved significantly from grade 3 preoperatively to grade 5 at 1 year. Two of three patients underwent the MRI at 2-year follow-up. Radiographic released the complete healing of rotator cuff tear. No implant-related serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION: The new technique of using autogenous coracoacromial ligament patch augment provides good clinical results on patients with PTRCTs.