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Results of Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repair

Many studies have been done on the treatment of rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Some patients are at risk for retear after repair. Studies show that using a double row of stitches called anchor sutures may be better than a single row of sutures to repair RCTs.

This double-row fixation helps strengthen the anchoring of the tendon to the bone. And it can be done without losing shoulder function. But studies comparing the single-row to double-row repair method are limited.

In this study, 86 adults with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear were included. The tears were all sizes from small to medium, to large, and even massive. The tears were repaired using double-row suture anchors. The operation was done using small incisions and an arthroscope. The authors describe the operation in detail. They include drawings and photos taken with the arthroscope.

The surgeons looked at both patient function and the structural repair to assess the results. An MRI was taken before the surgery and again one year after the operation. A patient exam was performed two years after the procedure.

The retear rate after repair was 40 per cent for the large tears. This compared to about five per cent for the small tears. The overall results showed a better result structurally and functionally after arthroscopic repair compared with open or mini-open surgeries.

The authors suggest patient selection is the key to success with this treatment. Preop MRIs give valuable information before surgery. Shoulders with severe tears and muscle degeneration have worse results. Tendon quality and mobility are important for success using this treatment.

Although the cost of this surgery is higher than the standard open incising operation, the benefits outweigh the costs. Better functional and structural results lead to higher patient satisfaction.

References: Hiroyuki Sugaya, MD, et al. Repair Integrity and Functional Outcome After Arthroscopic Double-Row Rotator Cuff Repair. In Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. May 2007. Vol. 89-A. No. 5. Pp. 953-960.

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