An isolated bioinductive repair vs sutured repair for full-thickness rotator cuff tears: 2-year results of a double blinded, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears treated with an isolated bioinductive repair (IBR) in lieu of a completion-and-repair have shown complete healing. This treatment option is afforded by the remaining tendon's structural integrity, which is similar to that present in small/medium full-thickness tears (FTTs) when the rotator cable remains intact. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigated whether an IBR for small/medium full-thickness tears resulted in superior healing and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) compared with a sutured repair. METHODS: This prospective, double blinded (patients and outcome assessors), single-center randomized controlled trial enrolled patients ≥18 years with a small/medium (≤2.5 cm) full thickness supraspinatus tear and intact rotator cable. Patients were randomized and blinded to arthroscopic transosseous-equivalent repair (control, n = 30) or IBR (n = 30). The primary outcome was tendon quality on biopsy at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were PROs (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES], Constant-Murley Shoulder [CMS], and pain visual analogue scale scores) and tendon thickness and healing measured via MRI at 6, 12, and 24 months; satisfaction at 12 and 24 months; and time to return to work. RESULTS: Baseline demographic, tear, and surgical characteristics were comparable between the groups (IBR: mean age, 54.2 years, 14 male; control: mean age, 56.4 years, 16 male). Measured via a 6-month biopsy, highly organized, parallel bundles of collagen, without inflammation, were present in all IBR patients, whereas poorly organized, nonparallel collagen fibers were present in 24/30 (80%) of control patients (P < .0001), with 28/30 having minimal to mild inflammation. The increase in tendon thickness measured via MRI at 6 months from baseline was greater in the IBR group (2.0 mm) than in the control group (0.8 mm) (P < .0001). All IBR patients had 100% healing on MRI at 12 and 24 months. Compared with the control group, the IBR group had higher American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant-Murley Shoulder scores at each evaluation, less pain at 6 and 12 months, and greater satisfaction at 12 and 24 months (P < .0003). The IBR group returned to work significantly faster (median 90 days [IQR, 25] vs. median 163.5 days [IQR, 24]; P < .0001) than the control group. CONCLUSION: Compared with a sutured repair, the IBR treatment resulted in superior tendon quality, patient outcomes, satisfaction, and return to work. The IBR enabled a robust healing response evident through MRI and biopsy evaluation, demonstrating superior tendon quality and healing.

Factors associated with healing failure after early repair of acute, trauma-related rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: Healing failure after rotator cuff repair is a challenging problem. Acute, trauma-related tears are considered a separate entity and are often treated surgically. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with healing failure in previously asymptomatic patients with trauma-related rotator cuff tears treated with early arthroscopic repair. METHODS: This study included 62 consecutively recruited patients (23% women; median age, 61 years; age range, 42-75 years) with acute symptoms in a previously asymptomatic shoulder and a magnetic resonance imaging-verified full-thickness rotator cuff tear after shoulder trauma. All patients were offered, and underwent, early arthroscopic repair, during which a biopsy specimen was harvested from the supraspinatus tendon and analyzed for signs of degeneration. Of the patients, 57 (92%) completed 1-year follow-up and underwent assessment of repair integrity on magnetic resonance images according to the Sugaya classification. Risk factors for healing failure were investigated using a causal-relation diagram where age, body mass index, tendon degeneration (Bonar score), diabetes mellitus, fatty infiltration (FI), sex, smoking, tear location regarding integrity of the rotator cable, and tear size (number of ruptured tendons and tendon retraction) were included and analyzed. RESULTS: Healing failure at 1 year was identified in 37% of patients (n = 21). A high degree of FI of the supraspinatus muscle (P = .01), a tear location including disruption of rotator cable integrity (P = .01), and old age (P = .03) were associated with healing failure. Tendon degeneration as determined by histopathology was not associated with healing failure at 1-year follow-up (P = .63). CONCLUSION: Older age, increased FI of the supraspinatus muscle, and a tear including disruption of the rotator cable increased the risk of healing failure after early arthroscopic repair in patients with trauma-related full-thickness rotator cuff tears.

Anterior rotator cable disruption does not affect outcomes in rotator cuff tear with subscapularis involvement.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes after arthroscopic repair of two different rotator cuff tear configurations: anterosuperior rotator cuff tear and rotator cuff tears with subscapularis involvement. It was hypothesized that, although both tear configurations would show significant improvement in clinical outcomes after arthroscopic repair, the rotator cuff tears with subscapularis involvement where the anterior rotator cable maintains its integrity would have better clinical outcomes and structural integrity. METHODS: This study included 226 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of anterosuperior rotator cuff tears (n = 107, group A) and rotator cuff tears with subscapularis involvement (n = 119, group B). The visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, subjective shoulder value (SSV), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, and active range of motion (ROM) were assessed. Modified belly press test was performed to assess the strength of the subscapularis muscle. Cuff integrity was evaluated using magnetic resonance arthrography or computed tomographic arthrography at 6 months after operation. RESULTS: At 3-year follow-up, the VAS score, SSVs, ASES scores, UCLA shoulder scores, active ROM, and modified belly press test showed significant improvement in both groups (p < 0.001). However, these improvements showed no statistical significance between the two groups. On follow-up radiologic evaluations, no significant difference in re-tear rates between group A (25 of 107, 23.4%) and group B (23 of 119, 19.3%) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of anterior cable involvement of the anterosuperior rotator cuff tear did not affect postoperative clinical outcomes and re-tear rate compared to rotator cuff tears with subscapularis involvement where the anterior cable integrity was maintained, although the anterosuperior rotator cuff tear was associated with more significant preoperative supraspinatus fatty infiltration. Therefore, the present study determined that it would not be necessary to differentiate treatment protocols between these patterns. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Locating the rotator cable during subacromial arthroscopy: bursal- and articular-sided anatomy.

BACKGROUND: The rotator cable (RCa) is an important articular-sided structure of the cuff capsular complex that helps prevent suture pull out during rotator cuff repairs (RCRs) and plays a role in force transmission. Yet, the RCa cannot be located during bursal-sided RCRs. The purpose of this study is to develop a method to locate the RCa in the subacromial space and compare its bursal- and articular-sided dimensions. METHODS: In 20 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens, the RCa was found from the articular side, outlined with stitches, and then evaluated from the bursal side using an easily identifiable reference point, the intersection of a line bisecting the supraspinatus (SS) tendon and posterior SS myotendinous junction (MTJ). Four bursal-sided lengths were measured on the SS-bisecting line as well as the RCa's outside anteroposterior base. For the articular-sided measurements, the rotator cuff capsular complex was detached from bone and optically scanned creating 3D solid models. Using the 3D models, 4 articular-sided lengths were made, including the RCa's inside and outside anteroposterior base. RESULTS: The RCa's medial arch was located 9.9 ± 5.6 mm from the reference point in 10 intact specimens and 4.1 ± 2.4 mm in 10 torn specimens (P = .007). The RCa's width was 10.9 ± 2.1 mm, and the distance from the lateral edge of the RCa to the lateral SS insertion was 13.9 ± 4.8 mm. The bursal- and articular-sided outside anteroposterior base measured 48.1 ± 6.4 mm and 49.6 ± 6.5 mm, respectively (P = .268). The average inside anteroposterior base measurement was 37.3 ± 5.9 mm. DISCUSSION: The medial arch of the RCa can be reliably located during subacromial arthroscopy using the reference point, analogous to the posterior SS MTJ. The RCa is located 10 mm in intact and 4 mm in torn tendons (P = .007) from the posterior SS MTJ. If the above 6-mm shift in location of the RCa is not taken into consideration during rotator cuff suture placement, it could negatively affect time zero repair strength. The inside anteroposterior base of the RCa measures on average 37 mm; therefore, rotator cuff tears measuring >37 mm are at risk of rupturing part or all of the RCa's 2 humeral attachments, which if not recognized and addressed could impact postoperative function.

Interobserver reliability of the rotator cable and its relationship to rotator cuff congruity.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the presence of the rotator cable intraoperatively and compared its prevalence according to both patient age and rotator cuff integrity. The study hypothesis was that the cable would be more prevalent in older patients and patients with partial-thickness tears. METHODS: Patients who were undergoing shoulder arthroscopy and were aged at least 16 years were included in this study, whereas those who had a cuff tear of more than 1 tendon or who had a video with poor visualization of the rotator cuff insertion were excluded. Intraoperative videos were collected, deidentified, and distributed to 7 orthopedic surgeons to define rotator cable and cuff tear characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 58 arthroscopic videos (average patient age, 46 years; range, 16-75 years) were evaluated. The observers were in the most agreement on identifying the presence of a cable, with a κ coefficient of 0.276. Patients with the rotator cable were significantly older than those without it (mean age, 52.1 years vs. 42.5 years; P = .008), and a positive and significant correlation was found between rotator cable presence and increasing patient age (r = 0.27, P = .04). A significant association was noted between tear degree and cable presence (P = .002). There was no significant association with cable presence in patients with a full-thickness tear. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, an intraoperative analysis was performed to define the presence of the rotator cable and correlate this with both patient age and rotator cuff integrity. The hypothesis was confirmed in that patients older than 40 years had a significantly higher rotator cable prevalence.

Rotator cuff tendon connections with the rotator cable.

PURPOSE: The literature currently contains no descriptions of the rotator cuff tendons, which also describes in relation to the presence and characteristics of the rotator cable (anatomically known as the ligamentum semicirculare humeri). The aim of the current study was to elucidate the detailed anatomy of the rotator cuff tendons in association with the rotator cable. METHODS: Anatomic dissection was performed on 21 fresh-frozen shoulder specimens with an average age of 68 years. The rotator cuff tendons were dissected from each other and from the glenohumeral joint capsule, and the superior glenohumeral, coracohumeral, coracoglenoidal and semicircular (rotator cable) ligaments were dissected. Dissection was performed layer by layer and from the bursal side to the joint. All ligaments and tendons were dissected in fine detail. RESULTS: The rotator cable was found in all specimens. It was tightly connected to the supraspinatus (SSP) tendon, which was partly covered by the infraspinatus (ISP) tendon. The posterior insertion area of the rotator cable was located in the region between the middle and inferior facets of the greater tubercle of the humerus insertion areas for the teres minor (TM), and ISP tendons were also present and fibres from the SSP extended through the rotator cable to those areas. CONCLUSION: The connection between the rotator cable and rotator cuff tendons is tight and confirms the suspension bridge theory for rotator cuff tears in most areas between the SSP tendons and rotator cable. In its posterior insertion area, the rotator cable is a connecting structure between the TM, ISP and SSP tendons. These findings might explain why some patients with relatively large rotator cuff tears can maintain seamless shoulder function.

Partial-thickness tears involving the rotator cable lead to abnormal glenohumeral kinematics.

HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study was to determine the biomechanical function of the rotator cable when a partial-thickness (>50%) tear is present. We compared intact specimens with partial tears of the anterior cable followed by partial anterior and posterior tears in regard to glenohumeral kinematics and translation. The hypothesis was that partial-thickness tears will lead to abnormal glenohumeral biomechanics, including glenohumeral translation and path of glenohumeral articulation. METHODS: Five fresh frozen cadaveric shoulders with intact labrum, rotator cuff, and humerus were tested using a custom shoulder testing system in the scapular plane. Glenohumeral translation was measured after applying an anterior load of 30 N at different angles of external rotation. The path of glenohumeral articulation was measured by calculating the humeral head center with respect to the glenoid articular surface at 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120° of external rotation. RESULTS: With an anterior force of 30 N, there was a significant increase in anterior and total translation at 30° of external rotation after the anterior cable was cut (P < .05). When the tear was extended to the posterior cable, there was a significant increase in anterior, inferior, and total translation at 30° and 120° of external rotation (P < .05). With respect to the path of glenohumeral articulation , the humeral head apex was shifted superiorly at 90° and 120° of external rotation after the posterior cable was cut (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Partial-thickness articular-sided rotator cuff tears with a thickness >50% involving the rotator cable increased glenohumeral translation and changed kinematics in our cadaveric biomechanical model.

Sonographic Visualization of the Rotator Cable in Patients With Symptomatic Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: Correlation With Tear Size, Muscular Fatty Infiltration and Atrophy, and Functional Outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of sonographic visualization of the rotator cable in patients with symptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears and asymptomatic controls and to correlate rotator cable visualization with tear size, muscular fatty infiltration and atrophy, and the functional outcome in the patients with rotator cuff tears. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with rotator cuff tears and 30 asymptomatic volunteers underwent shoulder sonography for prospective assessment of the rotator cable and rotator cuff tear and responded to 2 functional outcome questionnaires (shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand [QuickDASH] and Constant). In the patients with rotator cuff tears, appropriate tests were used to correlate rotator cable visualization with the tear size, functional outcome, muscular fatty infiltration, and atrophy. RESULTS: The patients with rotator cuff tears included 25 women and 32 men (mean age,57 years; range, 39-67 years), and the volunteers included 13 women and 17 men (mean age, 56 years; range, 35-64 years). The rotator cable was identified in 77% (23 of 30) of controls and 23% (13 of 57) of patients with rotator cuff tears. In the patients, nonvisualization of the rotator cable correlated with larger tears (P < 0.001) and higher grades of supraspinatus atrophy (P = .049) and fatty infiltration (P = .022). There was no significant correlation with functional outcome scores (QuickDASH, P = .989; Constant, P = .073) or infraspinatus fatty infiltration (P = .065). CONCLUSIONS: Nonvisualization of the rotator cable was more prevalent in patients with symptomatic rotator cuff tears than asymptomatic controls and was associated with a larger tear size and greater supraspinatus fatty infiltration and atrophy. Diligent assessment of the supraspinatus muscle should be done in patients with rotator cuff tears without a visible rotator cable, as the integrity of these anatomic structures may be interdependent.

Patterns of tear progression for asymptomatic degenerative rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine patterns of rotator cuff tear size progression in degenerative rotator cuff tears and to compare tear progression risks for tears with and without anterior supraspinatus tendon disruption. METHODS: Asymptomatic full-thickness rotator cuff tears with minimum 2-year follow-up were examined with annual shoulder ultrasound examinations. Integrity of the anterior 3 mm of the supraspinatus tendon determined classification of cable-intact vs. cable-disrupted tears. Tear enlargement was defined as an increase of 5 mm or more in width. Tear propagation direction was calculated from measured changes in tear width in reference to the biceps tendon on serial ultrasound examinations. RESULTS: The cohort included 139 full-thickness tears with a mean subject age of 63.3 years and follow-up duration of 6.0 years. Ninety-six (69.1%) of the tears were considered cable intact. Cable-disrupted tears were larger at baseline (median, 19.0 mm vs. 10.0 mm; P < .0001) than cable-intact tears. There was no difference in the risk of enlargement (52.1% vs. 67.4%; P = .09) or time to enlargement (3.2 vs. 2.2 years; P = .37) for cable-intact compared with cable-disrupted tears. There was no difference in the magnitude of enlargement for cable-intact and cable-disrupted tears (median, 7.0 mm vs.9.0 mm; P = .18). Cable-intact tears propagated a median of 5 mm anteriorly and 4 mm posteriorly, whereas cable-disrupted tears propagated posteriorly. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of degenerative rotator cuff tears spare the anterior supraspinatus tendon. Although tears classified as cable disrupted are larger at baseline than cable-intact tears, tear enlargement risks are similar for each tear type.

Assessment of the rotator cable in various rotator cuff conditions using indirect MR arthrography.

BACKGROUND: The rotator cable is an important structure providing stress shield to the rotator cuff, similar to the mechanism of suspension bridge. PURPOSE: To evaluate the visibility and appearance of the rotator cable in various conditions of the rotator cuff, using indirect magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Indirect MR arthrography images from 27 patients (age range, 20-63 years) with normal rotator cuffs, and 47 (age range, 20-73 years) with tendinosis, 32 (age range, 49-71 years) with partial-thickness tears, and 55 (age range, 44-75 years) with full-thickness tears in the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons (SST-ISTs) were included in this study. In these various rotator cuff conditions, the visibility and appearance (thickness and width) of the rotator cable and the relationships between the rotator cable appearance, rotator cuff tear size, rotator cuff thickness, and patient's age were assessed. RESULTS: On the sagittal MR images, all rotator cables were visible in the normal rotator cuffs and tendinosis/partial-thickness tears of SST-ISTs. In the order of normal cuff, tendinosis, partial-thickness tear, and full-thickness tear of SST-ISTs, the rotator cable tended to become thicker (1.07, 1.27, 1.32, and 1.59 mm, respectively) and narrower (12.1, 10.68, 10.90, and 8.55 mm, respectively). The thickness of the rotator cable was significantly positively correlated with the rotator cuff thickness in the normal rotator cuffs (coefficient, 0.49; P = 0.010) and tendinosis of SST-ISTs (coefficient, 0.53; P < 0.001), but was not correlated with patients' age. CONCLUSION: On sagittal plane of indirect MR arthrography, most rotator cables were visible. The appearance of the rotator cable changed according to the rotator cuff condition.

Characteristics of small to medium-sized rotator cuff tears with and without disruption of the anterior supraspinatus tendon.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the baseline function and results of arthroscopic cuff repair in shoulders with small and medium-sized full-thickness cuff tears with complete supraspinatus disruption compared with those with an intact anterior supraspinatus tendon. METHODS: The study evaluated 112 subjects with small and medium-sized cuff tears. Subjects were grouped according to anterior supraspinatus integrity (83 shoulders intact, group 1; and 29 shoulders with anterior supraspinatus tendon disruption, group 2). Functional assessments included visual analogue scale for pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Simple Shoulder Test score, and Constant score. Repair integrity was assessed by ultrasound examination. RESULTS: Group 2 shoulders had greater mean tear width, length, and area (P < .0001) and greater supraspinatus muscle degenerative changes (P < .0001) compared with shoulders with an intact anterior supraspinatus tendon. There were no differences in demographics or baseline function (ASES score: 45 group 1 vs 46 group 2, P = .79; Constant score: 56 group 1 vs 52 group 2, P = .29) before surgery. There were no differences in any functional parameter (ASES score: 92 group 1 vs 93 group 2, P = .71; Constant score: 84 group 1 vs 85 group 2, P = .84) after surgery. There was no difference in tendon healing rates (93% group 1 vs 86% group 2; P = .26). CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of painful small and medium-sized rotator cuff tears, disruption of the anterior supraspinatus tendon was associated with greater tear size and more advanced supraspinatus muscle degeneration. However, anterior supraspinatus tendon integrity had no influence on the clinical presentation or the functional and structural results of cuff repair surgery.

An interexaminer agreement and reliability study on cadavers with musculoskeletal ultrasound of the shoulder performed by physiotherapists and radiologists compared with dissection.

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional inter-examiner agreement and reliability study on fresh frozen cadaver shoulders. BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSU) is frequently used by physical therapists and radiologists to improve specific diagnosis in rotator cuff related pathology. The evaluation of the rotator cable seems to be important as stabilizing structure when cuff tears occur. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the inter-examiner agreement and reliability of MSU of the shoulder to detect rotator cuff-pathology and the involvement of the rotator cable in comparison to "dissection". METHODS: Physical therapists, a radiologist and an orthopedic surgeon (dissection) investigated 40 fresh frozen cadaver shoulders in order to detect shoulder pathology including rotator cable involvement. Examiners were blinded to each other's findings. RESULTS: We found a strong and significant agreement between the raters: PTs, the radiologist and the dissector in this cadaver study for all rotator cuff, the long head of the biceps pathologies and in detecting abnormalities of the rotator cable. The kappa value was substantial to (almost) perfect agreement for all diagnostic outcome categories. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that among a limited group of physical therapists, one radiologist and a dissector a strong level of agreement with kappa values from substantial to (almost) perfect in finding subacromial pathology.

Literature Review of Subscapularis Tear, Associated injuries, and the Available Treatment Options.

The population of Hawai'i is uniquely connected to the Ocean and to open water sports. Shoulder injuries, particularly those to the rotator cuff, are among the most common injuries sustained to athletes participating in ocean sports such as surfing, paddling, and swimming. In addition, rotator cuff injuries increase in prevalence with advanced age. As a consequence, the number of patients in Hawai'i who present with an injury to the subscapularis tendon will continue to rise. However, limited research has been done to delineate the involvement of subscapularis injuries in this population. This article covers the anatomy and function of the subscapularis, the epidemiology and classification of tears in this tendon, and the management of tears. The anatomy section will cover innervation, vascular supply and insertional anatomy of the subscapularis tendon. The function of the subscapularis in regards to both stability and motion of the glenohumeral joint will be examined. The focus of the article will then shift to the tears of the subscapularis, starting with an in depth look at the epidemiology and classification of these tears. The article will then cover the different imaging modalities and their utility in regards to subscapularis tears. Finally, the operative and non-operative management and indications for each modality will be discussed in detail.

Prognostic Factors Leading to Good or Poor Outcomes Based on Functional and Radiological Findings After a Rotator Cuff Retear.

BACKGROUND: A retear after rotator cuff repair is a common problem; however, there is little information related to the prognosis after a retear. In addition, some patients with retears have satisfactory outcomes, which raises the question of whether a retear leads to a poor prognosis. PURPOSE: To identify radiological factors that influence the prognosis after a retear. STUDY DESIGN: Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total of 51 patients with retears confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging at 1 year after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they achieved the minimal clinically important difference for clinical outcome measures. Range of motion and radiological variables, including preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) tear sizes, sagittal extent of the retear, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and degree of fatty degeneration, were analyzed using magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Overall, 36 patients were allocated to the good prognosis (GP) group and 15 to the poor prognosis (PP) group. The 2 groups had no significant differences in baseline demographics and preoperative radiological parameters. Postoperative range of motion was decreased in the PP group at the last follow-up. The AP and ML retear sizes decreased in both groups after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, but the retear size was significantly larger in the PP group (both P < .05). The AHD increased in the GP group (P < .001) but decreased in the PP group (P = .230) postoperatively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that postoperative AHD (P = .003), fatty degeneration of the infraspinatus tendon (P = .001), posterior (P = .007) and anterior (P = .025) sagittal extent of the retear, and change in the AP tear size (P = .017) were related to poor outcomes after a retear. However, change in the ML tear size (P = .105) and middle sagittal extent of the retear (P = .878) were not related to a poor prognosis. Also, further analysis showed that posterior (P = .006) and anterior (P = .003) sagittal extent of the retear were related to rotator cable involvement. CONCLUSION: An increased AP retear size and decreased AHD were radiological parameters that were associated with poor clinical outcomes after a retear. In particular, patients who had posterior and anterior sagittal extent of the retear, possibly with rotator cable involvement and more severe fatty degeneration of the infraspinatus tendon, showed worse outcomes.

Anterior cable reconstruction using the proximal biceps tendon for reinforcement of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair prevent retear and increase acromiohumeral distance.

Anterior cable reconstruction (ACR) using the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) was developed to place at the native superior capsule attachment site for large to massive rotator cuff tears (LMRCTs) with anterior cable disruption. In this study, we investigated whether ACR for reinforcement before ARCR prevented retear after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR), especially in cases of LMRCTs with anterior cable disruption. A total of 125 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) for LMRCTs were retrospectively enrolled. To assess the benefit of ACR with LHBT, all data were compared with those after ARCR alone. As a result, ACR with LHBT showed satisfactory clinical and radiologic outcomes in comparison with conventional ARCR only technique. ACR with LHBT prevented retear after ARCR and improved the AHD, although There was no difference of clinical outcomes between two groups.

Rotator cable and rotator interval: anatomy, biomechanics and clinical importance.

The rotator cable and rotator interval are among the most recent topics of interest in current shoulder literature. Most of the research has been published in the last two decades and our understanding about the importance of these anatomical structures has improved with biomechanical studies, which changed the pre- and intra-operative approaches of shoulder surgeons to rotator cuff tears in symptomatic patients.The rotator cable is a thick fibrous bundle that carries the applied forces to the rotator cuff like a 'suspension bridge'. Tears including this weight-bearing bridge result in more symptoms. On the other hand, the rotator interval is more like a protective cover consisting of multiple layers of ligaments and the capsule rather than a single anatomical formation like the rotator cable.Advances in our knowledge about the rotator interval demonstrate that even basic anatomical structures often have greater importance than we may have understood. Misdiagnosis of these two important structures may lead to persistent symptoms.Furthermore, some distinct rotator cuff tear patterns can be associated with concomitant rotator interval injuries because of the anatomical proximity of these two anatomical regions. We summarize these two important structures from the aspect of anatomy, biomechanics, radiology and clinical importance in a review of the literature. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:56-62. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.170071.

Prevalence and Site of Rotator Cuff Lesions in Shoulders With Recurrent Anterior Instability in a Young Population.

BACKGROUND: Partial articular supraspinatus tendon avulsion (PASTA) lesions are often seen in shoulders of throwing athletes. PASTA lesions in anterior instability are also found in recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability. PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence and location of rotator cuff tears (RCTs), including PASTA lesions, in shoulders with recurrent anterior instability. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A total of 842 shoulders in 801 patients with recurrent anterior instability (647 men, 154 women; mean age, 24 years; age range, 13-40 years) who underwent arthroscopic surgery at the age of 40 years or younger were enrolled. During surgery, the thickness and the sites of RCTs as well as patient factors associated with RCTs were examined. RESULTS: RCTs were found in 57 shoulders (7%) in 56 patients. There were 4 shoulders with full-thickness RCTs and 54 shoulders with PASTA lesions. All lesions but 1 involved the anterior border of the supraspinatus (SSP). Participation in high-level athletics and older age at injury were associated with RCTs. CONCLUSION: The incidence of RCTs was 7% in shoulders with recurrent anterior instability at age 40 years or younger. Most RCTs were PASTA lesions that involved the anterior border of the SSP.

Rotator cable in pathological shoulders: comparison with normal anatomy in a cadaveric study.

The rotator cable is a semicircular thickening of the glenohumeral joint capsule. It travels between tubercles of the humerus and interweaves with the supra- and infraspinatus muscle tendons. The rotator cable anchors these tendons to the tubercles, playing the role of a suspension bridge. However, little is known about the modifications of this cable that result from pathologies to the rotator cuff tendons. Thus, we aim to compare the morphology of the normal rotator cable with cables in specimens with rotator cuff injuries. The glenohumeral joint was dissected in 30 cadaveric shoulders. The supra-, infraspinatus and teres minor muscles were inspected for injuries and the rotator cable was visualised. The cables course was determined and the width, length and thickness were measured. The rotator cable was found present in all cadavers dissected. In three specimens there was a partial injury of the supraspinatus tendon (two from capsular side and one from bursal side). The rotator cable was thickened in the cases of capsular tears. In another two specimens the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles were torn completely and in these cases the rotator cable was blended with retracted stumps and elongated to the level of the glenoid rim. The rotator cable creates a functional complex with the supra- and infrasinatus muscles. The morphology of the cable differs in cases of rotator cuff injury.

Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Results in the Arthroscopic Repair of Full-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears With and Without the Anterior Attachment of the Rotator Cable.

BACKGROUND: The anterior rotator cable is critical in force transmission of the rotator cuff. However, few clinical studies have examined the correlation between the integrity of the anterior supraspinatus tendon and surgical outcomes in patients with rotator cuff tears. PURPOSE: To compare the clinical and structural outcomes of the arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears with and without anterior disruption of the supraspinatus tendon. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: One hundred eighty-one shoulders available for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at least 6 months after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, with a minimum 1-year follow-up, were enrolled. The anterior attachment of the rotator cable was disrupted in 113 shoulders (group A) and intact in 68 shoulders (group B). The mean age at the time of surgery in groups A and B was 59.6 and 59.2 years, respectively, and the mean follow-up period was 24.2 and 25.1 months, respectively. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in the preoperative tear size and pattern and muscle fatty degeneration between the 2 groups ( P = .004, P = .008, and P < .001, respectively). At final follow-up, the mean visual analog scale (VAS) for pain score during motion was 1.31 ± 0.98 and 1.24 ± 0.90 in groups A and B, respectively ( P = .587). The mean Constant score was 77.5 ± 11.2 and 78.0 ± 11.9 points in groups A and B, respectively ( P = .875). The mean University of California, Los Angeles score was 30.5 ± 4.1 and 31.0 ± 3.0 points in groups A and B, respectively ( P = .652). In assessing the repair integrity on postoperative MRI, the retear rate was 23.9% and 14.7% in groups A and B, respectively ( P = .029). CONCLUSION: Irrespective of involvement in the anterior attachment of the rotator cable, the mean 24-month follow-up demonstrated excellent pain relief and improvement in the ability to perform activities of daily living after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. However, tears with anterior disruption of the rotator cable showed a significantly larger and more complex tear pattern and more advanced fatty degeneration. Additionally, the retear rate was significantly higher in patients with a tear involving the anterior attachment of the rotator cable.