Tuberoplasty for Irreparable Massive Rotator Cuff Tears

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of arthroscopic tuberoplasty for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients underwent arthroscopic tuberoplasty for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears between December 2004 and April 2007. The mean follow-up period was 17.3 months, and the average age at the time of surgery was 61.7-year-old. Five cases underwent arthroscopic tuberoplasty and 6 cases had arthroscopic subacromial decompression and tuberoplasty, simultaneously. RESULTS: The average Constant score improved from 61.8 to 86.9 and the average UCLA score changed from 14.8 to 31.8 with 6 excellent, 3 good and 2 poor results (p=0.003). The active forward flexion improved from 111.8degrees to 154.1degrees (p=0.011). The acromiohumeral interval increased from 3.94 mm preoperatively to 4.22 mm postoperatively (p=0.12). In the poor UCLA score group, the acromiohumeral interval changed from 1.67 mm preoperatively to 0.94 mm postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic tuberoplasty may be a second option to relieve the pain of irreparable massive rotator cuff tears and improve the range of motion. However, good results could not be expected if the acromiohumeral interval is< 2 mm preoperatively and decreased postoperatively.