Functional outcome of open surgical repair of full thickness rotator cuff tears using the double row suture anchorage technique

Abstract

Introduction: The arthroscopic method offers several advantages, including smaller incisions, access to the gleno-humeral joint for the inspection and treatment of intra-articular lesions, no need for detachment of the deltoid, and less soft-tissue dissection. However, these advantages must be considered against the technical difficulty of the method, which limits its application to surgeons who are skilled in both open and arthroscopic procedures on the shoulder. Methodology: A total number of 49 repairs were performed in our institute of which 45 patients available for follow up were included in the study. All patients meeting the following inclusion and exclusion criteria had a pre-operative assessment which included the shoulder rating system of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and the Constant and Murley scoring questionnaires Results: There was no significant difference in the outcome scores of American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant and Murley between traumatic and degenerative tears at the latest follow-up visit. Conclusion: There was significant difference in the mean improvement of scores post operatively between the two groups.