The option of transosseous distal suture placement during minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair for high-risk patients can improve outcomes, however does not prevent re-rupture.

PURPOSE: Achilles tendon ruptures (ATRs) close to the insertion, in high-level athletes, and in patients at high risk of re-rupture, may be better suited to operative repair. Minimally Invasive Repair (MIR) of the Achilles tendon has excellent outcome and low complication rates. Traditionally MIR has showed lower repair strength, failing due to suture pull-out from the distal tendon stump. The aim of this study was to describe the outcome of ATR patients who received transosseous distal suture placement using a standard technique as a reference. METHODS: Following ATR, patients were evaluated for pre-injury activity level, body weight, location of the tear and size of the distal Achilles tendon stump. Patients considered to be at high-risk of re-rupture: Tegner level ≥ 8, body weight ≥ 105Kg and distal ATR, received transosseous (TO) distal suture placement (n = 20) rather than the usual transtendinous (TT) technique (n = 55). Patient reported outcome measures and functional evaluation was performed at 12 months following repair. RESULTS: At 12 months follow up both methods resulted in good median (IQR) Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score TO 83.8 (74-88.3) vs. TT 90 (79-94), low increased relative Achilles Tendon Resting Angle TO -3.5˚ (3.6) vs. TT -3.5˚ (3.3) and mean (SD) Single leg Heel-Rise Height Index TO 88.2% (9.9) vs. TT 85.6% (9.9) (n.s.). There were 4 re-ruptures in the high-risk group and 2 in the group receiving TT distal suture placement. All but one of these were traumatic in nature. The mode of failure following TO distal suture placement was proximal suture pull out. CONCLUSIONS: To distal suture placement during minimally-invasive Achilles tendon repair for higher-risk patients can lead to results equivalent to those in lower-risk patients treated with a standard TT MIR technique, except for the re-rupture rate which remained higher. There may be factors that have greater influence on outcome other than suture placement following ATR.

Arthroscopic cuff repair: footprint remnant preserving versus debriding rotator cuff repair of transtendinous rotator cuff tears with remnant cuff.

BACKGROUND: In transtendinous full thickness rotator cuff tears (FTRCT) with remnant cuff, conventionally, cuff remnant of the greater tuberosity (GT) is debrided for better tendon to bone healing. However, larger cuff defect caused overtension on the repaired tendon. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes and tendon integrity between remnant preserving and remnant debriding cuff repairs in the transtendinous FTRCT with remnant cuff. METHODS: From March, 2012 to October, 2017, a total of 127 patients who had the transtendinous FTRCT with remnant cuff were enrolled in this study. Rotator cuff tears were repaired arthroscopically, with patients divided into two groups: group I (n = 63), where rotator cuff remnants were preserved during the repair, and group II (n = 64), where the remnants were debrided during the repair. Clinical outcomes were assessed at the last follow-up (minimum 2 years) using the UCLA score, ASES score, SST score, Constant Shoulder score, and range of motion (ROM). The analysis of structural integrity and tendon quality was performed using the Sugaya classification on postoperative MRI scans at 8 months after surgery. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, UCLA, ASES, SST, and CS scores significantly improved from preoperative values to postoperative (all p < 0.05): UCLA (I: 19.6 ± 6.0 to 31.7 ± 3.2, II: 18.0 ± 5.7 to 31.5 ± 3.2), ASES (I: 54.3 ± 10.7 to 86.5 ± 12.5, II: 18.0 ± 5.7 to 85.8 ± 12.4), SST (I: 5.6 ± 2.8 to 10.2 ± 2.0, II: 5.0 ± 2.9 to 10.1 ± 2.5), CS (I: 74.0 ± 17.2 to 87.8 ± 9.7, II: 62.0 ± 19.2 to 88.3 ± 6.2). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). Also, remnant preserving cuff repair yielded significantly better tendon quality on postoperative MRI (p < 0.05). The incidence of re-tear (Sugaya's Type IV and V) was not significantly different between the two groups (I:17% vs. II:19%; p = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: Remnant preserving rotator cuff repairs, which facilitate tendon-to-tendon healing, are superior in terms of tendon quality and are the preferred option for transtendinous FTRCT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered.

Accelerated versus standard physical therapy in patients with transtendinous rotator cuff repair: a propensity-matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears that remain symptomatic despite conservative management can be repaired operatively through a transtendinous approach. Although transtendinous repairs have been linked to superior long-term biomechanical outcomes compared with other surgical techniques, they are classically associated with early postoperative stiffness and a slower rate of recovery. PURPOSE: To examine the impact of expediting the physical therapy (PT) regimen after transtendinous repair on postoperative range of motion and complications. METHODS: The first 61 patients to receive accelerated PT after transtendinous repair were compared with a historical cohort of 61 patients who underwent standard postoperative management. The patients were propensity matched on age, sex, smoking status, and biceps procedure performed at the time of rotator cuff repair. Primary outcome measures included active range of motion (AROM) in forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures included development of severe stiffness or symptomatic rotator cuff retear at 1-year follow-up. Patients with full-thickness tears and those undergoing revision surgery or tear-completion and repair were excluded. RESULTS: The accelerated PT cohort showed significantly increased AROM at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. At 6 weeks, AROM in forward flexion (137.0° vs. 114.9°; P < .001), abduction (126.1° vs. 105.3°; P = .009), and external rotation (51.7° vs. 36.5°; P = .005) were all significantly higher in the accelerated PT cohort. A similar increase was seen at 3 months, with superior forward flexion (147.5° vs. 134.0°; P = .01) and external rotation (57.7° vs. 44.0°; P = .008) in patients who received accelerated PT. Severe postoperative stiffness was significantly less common in the accelerated PT cohort (3.3% vs. 18.0%; P = .02), and there were no symptomatic retears (0.00%) in the accelerated PT cohort as compared with 1 symptomatic retear (1.64%) in the standard PT cohort (P = 1.00). CONCLUSION: Accelerated PT after transtendinous rotator cuff repair is associated with significant improvement in AROM at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Further, the early motion may help obviate the development of severe postoperative stiffness without any evidence of higher rotator cuff retear rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison; Treatment Study.

A novel remaining tendon preserving repair technique leads to improved outcomes in special rotator cuff tear patterns.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to identify the tear pattern that could be anatomically repaired by preserving the remaining tendon on footprint and evaluate clinical outcomes of patients who underwent remaining tendon preserving cuff repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 523 patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic repair, 41 (7.8%) patients had repairable rotator cuff tear while preserving the remaining tendon. Among them, 31 patients were followed-up for more than 2 years, including 26 patients with posterior L-shaped tear and 5 patients with transtendinous tear patterns. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using ASES and Constant score, SANE score for patient satisfaction, and VAS for pain. MRI was taken for tendon integrity 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Of the 31 patients, 11 (35.5%) had previous injury history before rotator cuff tear, including 7 (26.9%) of the 26 patients with posterior L-shaped tear and 4 (80%) of the 5 patients with transtendinous tear. The average size of preoperative cuff tear was 17.8 ± 6.8 mm in anterior-to-posterior direction and 15.2 ± 5.1 mm in medial-to-lateral direction. ASES and Constant score, SANE score, and VAS for pain were significantly (p < 0.001) improved after remaining tendon preserving rotator cuff repair. Rotator cuff tendons of 22(84.6%) patients with posterior L-shaped tear and 4(80%) patients with transtendinous tear patterns were healed. CONCLUSION: Patients who underwent rotator cuff repair with preservation of the remaining tendon on the footprint obtained satisfactory functional outcomes. Rotator cuff tears in patients who had posterior L-shaped tear extending between supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons or transtendinous tear pattern with substantial remaining tendon could be repaired using remaining tendon preserving repair technique. Anatomic reduction of torn cuff tendon without undue tension could be achieved using the remaining tendon preserving repair technique.

Traumatic full-thickness transtendinous rotator cuff tears: a case series.

HYPOTHESIS: Our purpose was to describe an arthroscopic repair technique for and outcomes of traumatic transtendinous rotator cuff tears affecting the supraspinatus tendon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on a series of patients between January 2009 and January 2012. Demographic data, as well as preoperative and postoperative clinical data including strength, visual analog scale pain score, Subjective Shoulder Value, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Simple Shoulder Test score, were obtained. RESULTS: Seven patients were identified with magnetic resonance imaging showing full-thickness, transtendon supraspinatus tears with extension into the infraspinatus, which were consistent with physical examination and arthroscopic findings. The mechanism of injury was traumatic in all cases, usually a fall with the arm abducted. The mean remaining stump of tendon measured 1.3 cm. All patients underwent open or arthroscopic repair by a side-to-side (tendon-to-tendon) technique with additional suture anchor augmentation. At an average follow-up of 41.5 months (range, 33-50 months), all patients had postoperative improvements in strength and visual analog scale pain scores (range, 0-1), as well as Subjective Shoulder Value, Simple Shoulder Test, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores greater than 90. CONCLUSION: We have described the occurrence of a rare rotator cuff tear in the purely tendinous portion of the muscle, leaving at least 1 cm of tendon attached to an intact footprint. We also have presented an arthroscopic side-to-side repair technique and postoperative outcomes. To our knowledge, this is the first article describing this uncommon rotator cuff tear.

Transtendinous wiring of mallet finger fractures presenting late.

PURPOSE: To determine if transtendinous wiring was an effective late treatment for bony mallet injuries. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2011, 19 consecutive patients (13 men, 6 women) with a mean age of 29 years (range, 13-52 y) were treated late for mallet finger fractures. The mean interval from injury to initial operation was 57 days (range, 28-141 d). RESULTS: Fifteen of 18 mallet fractures demonstrated evidence of radiographic healing after an average of 6 weeks (range, 5-10 wk). One patient developed ankylosis, and 3 patients failed to achieve bone union at the final follow-up. The mean motion of the distal interphalangeal joint was 73° (range, 35°-95°), and the mean extension lag was 7° (range, 0°-25°). CONCLUSIONS: Transtendinous wiring was an effective late treatment for mallet fractures, demonstrating satisfactory fixation, allowing early mobilization, and showing good functional results while avoiding salvage operations. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Arthroscopic double row partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion bridge repair technique for shoulder: A transtendinous approach.

Partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesions, a subset of partial rotator cuff tears, pose a surgical challenge, disrupting the integrity of the supraspinatus tendon. Transtendinous repair is the preferred choice in young individuals for limiting tear progression and preserving intact, high-quality cuff tissue, thus preventing tendon shortening, as compared to the tear completion and repair technique. Our approach leverages these advantages, specifically those indicated for Ellman's Grade 3 tears and cases where conservative treatments have failed. In our technique, we employ progressive dilation, anchor drill sleeve insertion to facilitate medial row anchor placement, followed by percutaneous spinal needles for suture shuttling, and finally locking sliding knots for compressive medial row repair, followed by lateral row fixation for additional stability. This method accelerates rehabilitation and restores optimal shoulder function.

Biceps tenotomy vs. tenodesis in patients undergoing transtendinous repair of partial thickness rotator cuff tears.

Background: Patients with partial thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) often present with concurrent pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT). To address both conditions simultaneously, long head of the biceps (LHB) tenotomy or tenodesis can be performed at the time of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR). This study aims to compare postoperative shoulder active range of motion (AROM) and complications following transtendinous RCR with concurrent LHB tenodesis or tenotomy. Methods: A total of 90 patients with PTRCTs met inclusion criteria for this study. Patients who underwent tear-completion-and-repair, revision surgery, or open repair of the LHB tendon were excluded. Patients were stratified into tenotomy, arthroscopic suprapectoral tenodesis, or no biceps operation cohorts and were propensity matched 1:1:1 on age, sex, body mass index, and smoking status. Primary outcome measures included AROM in forward flexion, abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. The development of severe stiffness and rates of rotator cuff retear at final follow-up were recorded as secondary outcomes. Results: When comparing the tenotomy and tenodesis cohorts, tenotomy patients were found to have increased AROM at 3 months in forward flexion (153.2° vs. 130.1°, P = .004), abduction (138.6° vs. 114.2°, P = .019), and external rotation (60.4° vs. 43.8°, P = .014), with differences in forward flexion remaining significant at 6 months (162.4° vs. 149.4°, P = .009). There were no significant differences in interval rates of recovery in any plane between cohorts. Additionally, there were no significant differences in rates of symptomatic retears between groups (P = .458). Rates of severe postoperative stiffness approached but did not achieve statistical significance between tenotomy (4.2%) and tenodesis (29.2%) cohorts (P = .066). Smoking status was a significant predictor of severe stiffness (odds ratio, 13.69; P = .010). Conclusion: Despite significant differences in absolute AROM between cohorts, the decision to perform tenotomy or tenodesis was not found to differentially affect rates of AROM recovery for patients undergoing arthroscopic transtendinous RCR for PTRCT. Notably, however, transient stiffness complications were more commonly observed in smokers, and data trends suggested an increased risk of stiffness for patients undergoing LHB tenodesis. Overall, postoperative stiffness is likely multifactorial and attributable to both patient- and procedure-specific factors, and LHB tenotomy may be more appropriate for patients with risk factors for developing stiffness postoperatively.

Transtendinous repair of partial articular sided supraspinatus tears is associated with higher rates of stiffness and significantly inferior early functional scores than tear completion and repair: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Transtendon repair (TTR) and tear completion and repair (TCR) are common repair techniques for partial thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs). Previous systematic reviews have not demonstrated any advantage of either but have not specifically addressed early recovery. AIM: To compare the outcomes of these two techniques in treating PTRCTs with respect to post-operative stiffness, delay in functional recovery and re-tear rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic review of the Medline and EMBASE database was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Both cases series and comparative studies reporting functional outcomes, post-operative stiffness or re-tear rate after either TTR or TCR for PTRCTs were included. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 21 studies (n=797); 4 comparative studies (n=214), 15 TTR (n=511) and 2 TCR case series (n=72). All four comparative studies included were randomised controlled trials. One RCT reported early outcomes and demonstrated significantly slower recovery in the TTR group at 3 months (ASES p=0.037, Constant score p=0.019 and pain p=0.001). Similarly, data from the case series suggested that the rate of post-operative stiffness was higher in the TTR group. All comparative studies demonstrated no significant difference at final follow up in terms of pain, range of motion or functional score. DISCUSSION: The results of this systematic review suggest that transtendinous repairs are associated with more pain and worse function during the first 3 months. This suggests that tear completion and repair should be the preferred option, as comparative studies do not demonstrate any long-term advantage of transtendinous repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, systematic review.

Ultrasound and Functional Assessment of Transtendinous Repairs of Partial-Thickness Articular-Sided Rotator Cuff Tears.

BACKGROUND: Partial-thickness articular-sided rotator cuff tears are a frequent source of shoulder pain. Despite conservative measures, some patients continue to be symptomatic and require surgical management. However, there is some controversy as to which surgical approach results in the best outcomes for grade 3 tears. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate repair integrity and the clinical results of patients treated with transtendinous repair of high-grade partial-thickness articular-sided rotator cuff tears. Our hypothesis was that transtendinous repairs would result in reliable healing and acceptable functional outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Twenty patients with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were included in the study. All patients underwent arthroscopic repair of high-grade partial-thickness rotator cuff tears utilizing a transtendinous technique by a single surgeon. At latest follow-up, the repair integrity was evaluated using ultrasound imaging, and functional scores were calculated. RESULTS: Ultrasound evaluation demonstrated that 18 of 20 patients had complete healing with a normal-appearing rotator cuff. Two patients had a minor residual partial tear. Sixteen of 20 patients had no pain on visual analog scale. Four patients complained of mild intermittent residual pain. All patients were rated as "excellent" by both the University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Score and the Simple Shoulder Test. CONCLUSION: The transtendon technique for the repair of articular-sided high-grade partial rotator cuff tears results in reliable tendon healing and excellent functional outcomes.

Rupturas parciales del espesor del manguito de los rotadores, diagnóstico y tratamiento artroscópico / Partial-thickness rotator cuff tear: diagnosis and arthroscopic treatment / Ruptures partielles de la coiffe des rotateurs, diagnostic et traitement sous arthroscopie

INTRODUCCIÓN: las rupturas parciales del espesor del manguito rotador (tendones del supraespinoso, infraespinoso) se consideran dos veces más frecuente que las rupturas completas del espesor. Los estudios utilizan la artroscopia como método de elección para su diagnóstico y la convierten en la regla de oro. Numerosos cirujanos consideran conservar intactas la parte sana de las fibras del tendón y reparar el área de ruptura; principio posible de cumplir con las técnicas de reparación artroscópicas. OBJETIVO: evaluar los resultados de la aplicación de la técnica artroscópica para el diagnóstico y la reparación de las rupturas parciales del espesor del manguito de los rotadores, conservando la parte sana del tendón. MÉTODOS: se repararon rupturas parciales del manguito rotador con técnica artroscópica de sutura y anclaje sin completar la ruptura del tendón del supraespinoso e infraespinoso desde enero 2008 hasta mayo de 2009. El estudio incluyó 47 hombros, 34 rupturas parciales de la superficie articular, 7 rupturas parciales de la superficie bursal y 6 rupturas parciales intratendinosas. Se realizó un seguimiento promedio de 14,5 meses (rango de 12 a 17 meses), la distribución según el sexo 34 masculinos (72,3 %) y 13 femeninos (27,7 %) y un promedio de edad de 47,5 años. El miembro dominante estuvo afectado en 38 pacientes (80,9 %). RESULTADOS: se obtuvo resultados excelentes y buenos en 91,5 % de los pacientes y 95,8 % resultados excelentes, buenos y regulares evaluados según la escala de Constant-Murley. CONCLUSIONES: la reparación artroscópica utilizando técnica de sutura y anclaje sin completar la ruptura ofrece ventajas. Se conserva la anatomía, preservando la parte sana del tendón y evitando la progresión a defectos completos del espesor.

INTRODUCTION: partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (supraspinatus tendon, infraspinatus) are considered twice as frequent as full thickness tears. Studies using arthroscopy as a method of choice for diagnosis and they turn it in the golden rule. Many surgeons consider fully maintain the healthy part of the tendon fibers and repair the rupture area; which is possible to comply with arthroscopic repair techniques. OBJECTIVE: evaluate the results of the application of arthroscopic technique for the diagnosis and repair of partial-thickness rotator cuff ruptures, preserving the healthy part of the tendon. METHODS: partial rotator cuff tears were repaired with arthroscopic suture anchor technique without completing thesupraspinatus and infraspinatus tendon rupture from January 2008 to May 2009. The study included 47shoulders, 34 partial tears of the joint surface, seven partial teras of bursal surface and 6 intratendinous partial tears. An average follow-up of 14.5 months (range 12-17 months) was conducted. Distribution by sex 34 male (72.3 %) and 13 female (27.7 %) and an average age of 47.5 years was performed. The dominant limb was affected in 38 patients (80.9 %). RESULTS: excellent results were obtained in 95.8% of patients and good results in 91.5 %. Results were assessed as excellent, good, regular according to the Constant-Murley scale results. CONCLUSIONS: arthroscopic repair using suture anchor technique without completing rupture offers advantages. Anatomy is conserved, while preserving the healthy part of the tendon and preventing progression to full thickness defects.

INTRODUCTION: les ruptures partielles de la coiffe de rotateurs (tendons du sus-épineux, du sous-épineux) sont considérées deux fois plus fréquentes que les ruptures complètes. Dans les études, l'arthroscopie est utilisée comme méthode de choix pour le diagnostic des ruptures de la coiffe des rotateurs, et dévient alors un gold standard. Plusieurs chirurgiens tendent à laisser intacte la partie saine des fibres tendineuses et à réparer seulement la zone de la rupture, ce qui est tout à fait possible grâce aux techniques de réparation sous arthroscopie. OBJECTIF: le but de cette étude est d'évaluer les résultats de la mise en application d'une technique de diagnostic et de réparation sous arthroscopie dans le traitement des ruptures partielles de la coiffe des rotateurs. MÉTHODES: depuis janvier 2008 jusqu'à mai 2009, on a éprouvé une technique de suture et d'ancrage sous arthroscopie pour la réparation des ruptures partielles de la coiffe des rotateurs. Cette étude a compris 47 épaules (34 ruptures partielles des capsules articulaires, 7 déchirures partielles de la bourse glénoïdale, et 6 ruptures partielles des tendons). On a réalisé un suivi de 14.5 mois en moyenne (12 à 17 mois), avec une distribution par sexes de 34 hommes (72.3 %) et 13 femmes (27.7 %), et une moyenne de 47.5 ans. Le membre supérieur dominant a été affecté chez 38 patients (80.9 %). RÉSULTATS: on a obtenu des résultats excellents et bons chez 91.5% des patients, et les résultats ont été évalués d'excellents, de bons et de moyens chez 95.8% des patients selon l'échelle de Constant-Murley. CONCLUSIONS: cette technique de suture et d'ancrage sous arthroscopie, sans compléter la rupture, montre des bénéfices; on protège l'anatomie en préservant la partie saine du tendon et en évitant l'évolution complète des anomalies au niveau de la coiffe.