gms | German Medical Science

Objectives: Background: The prevalence of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) has been reported to be from 13 to 40% within the adult population, accounting for 70% of all rotator cuff tears. Approximately 29% of PTRCTs will progress to full-thickness tears if left untreated. The long-term clinical course after arthroscopic repair of PTRCTs is not well known.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate minimum 10-year patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) of the supraspinatus tendon and to report reoperation and complication rates.

Methods: Patients who underwent ARCR of a PTRCT performed by a single surgeon between 10/2005 and 10/2011 were included. ARCR was performed either with a PASTA repair, bursal sided repair, or conversion into a full-thickness tear and repair. Patient reported outcome (PRO) data was collected preoperatively and at a minimum of 10 years postoperatively. PRO measures included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation Score (SANE), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (QuickDASH), the Short Form 12 physical component summary (SF-12 PCS), and patient satisfaction. Sub-analyses were performed to determine if tear location or age were associated with outcomes. Retears, revision surgeries, and surgical complications were recorded.

Results and conclusion: In total, 33 patients (21 males, 12 females) at a mean age of 50 years (range, 23–68) met criteria for inclusion. Follow-up was obtained in 87.5% of eligible patients at least 10 years out from surgery (mean, 12 years; range, 10–15 years). Of the 33 PTCRTs, 21 PTRCTs were articular-sided and 12 PTRCTs were bursal-sided. 26 of 33 patients underwent concomitant biceps tenodesis. At follow-up, the mean PROs were significantly improved when compared to preoperative levels: ASES from 67.3 to 93.7 (p<0.001), SANE from 70.9 to 91.2 (p=.004), QuickDASH from 22.3 to 6.6 (p<.004) and SF-12 PCS from 44.8 to 54.2 (p<.001). Median postoperative satisfaction was 10 (range 5–10). No patient underwent revision surgery.

Arthroscopic repair of PTRCTs results in excellent clinical outcomes and high patient satisfaction at minimum 10-year follow-up. Furthermore, the procedure is highly durable with a survivorship rate of 100% at 10 years.