No difference in outcome for open versus arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a prospective comparative trial.

PURPOSE: Arthroscopic techniques tend to become the gold standard in rotator cuff repair. However, little data are reported in the literature regarding the improvement of postoperative outcomes and re-tear rate relative to conventional open surgery. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and cuff integrity after arthroscopic versus open cuff repair. METHODS: We prospectively assessed clinical outcomes and cuff integrity after an arthroscopic or open rotator cuff repair with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Clinical evaluation was based on Constant score, Simple Shoulder Value (SSV) and American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES). Rotator cuff healing was explored with ultrasound. RESULTS: 44 patients in arthroscopic group A (mean age 56-year-old) and 43 in open group O (mean age 61-year-old) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Tendons were repaired with a single row technique associated with biceps tenodesis and subacromial decompression. All objective clinical scores significantly improved postoperatively in both groups. No statistical difference was identified between group A and O regarding, respectively, Constant score (72 vs 75 points; p = 0.3), ASES score (88 vs 91 points; p = 0.3), and SSV (81 vs 85%). The overall rate of re-tear (Sugaya type IV or V) reached 7 and 9%, respectively, in group A and O (p = 0.8). CONCLUSION: This study did not prove any difference of arthroscopic over open surgery in case of rotator cuff repair regarding clinical outcome and cuff integrity at 1-year follow-up. LEVEL II: Prospective comparative study.

Does microvascularization of the footprint play a role in rotator cuff healing of the shoulder?

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between bone microvascularization of the footprint and tendon integrity after rotator cuff repair of the shoulder. METHODS: Forty-eight patients (mean age, 59 years; ±7.9) with a chronic rotator cuff tear underwent a tendon repair with a single-row technique and were studied prospectively. A core obtained from the footprint during the procedure allowed determination of the bone's microvascularization with an immunohistochemistry technique using anti-CD34 antibodies. Clinical evaluation was performed at a minimum of 12-month follow-up, and rotator cuff integrity was assessed with ultrasound according to Sugaya's classification. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 13 months, the Constant score improved from 40 to 75 points; American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, from 59 to 89 points; and subjective shoulder value, from 38% to 83% (P < .001). Ultrasound identified 18 patients with Sugaya type I healing, 27 patients with type II, and 3 patients with type IV. No patients showed Sugaya type III or V repairs. The rate of microvascularization of the footprint was 15.6%, 13.9%, and 4.2% for type I, II, and IV tendon integrity, respectively (I vs. II, P = .22; II vs. IV, P = .02; I vs. IV, P = .0022). Patients with a history of corticosteroid injection had a lower rate of microvascularization than the others (10.3% vs. 16.2%; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Even if overall satisfactory clinical outcomes are achieved after a rotator cuff repair, bone microvascularization of the footprint plays a role in rotator cuff healing. A lower rate of microvessels decreases the tendon integrity and healing potential after repair.

Variations of the micro-vascularization of the greater tuberosity in patients with rotator cuff tears.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to analyse greater tuberosity's (GT) micro-vascularization in the context of rotator cuff tear and to identify factors that could affect the rate and distribution of micro-vessels. METHODS: Eighty-seven patients with supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus tendon tears were included in a prospective study. Mean age at surgery was 58 years (41-78) and clinical symptoms were lasting from an average of 20 months before surgery. A bone core of 1-cm depth was obtained from the GT during rotator cuff repair at two localizations, medial and lateral within tuberosity. Micro-vascularization was then analysed with an immunohistochemistry technique based on CD34 antigen tracking endothelial cells at two levels of depth for each sample (more and less than 5 mm). Epidemiologic and pathologic data were correlated with the rate of micro-vascularization measured. RESULTS: Median rate of GT's micro-vascularization was 9.8 %, which ranged from 0.13 % to 33.4 %. This rate decreased with preoperative steroid injection (7.4 % vs 11.2) and with localization close to the cartilage of the humeral head (8.7 % vs 11.9 %). However, it remains almost homogenous along the depth's core. Moreover, no significant correlation was found regarding age at surgery, gender, context of previous trauma, smoking habits, duration of symptoms, and specific data regarding the tendon tear. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlighted the variability of GT's micro-vascularization in case of rotator cuff tear. A greater rate was observed at the lateral part of the footprint, whereas medical history of steroid injection has a negative influence on micro-vascularization.