Does an Arthroscopic Suture Bridge Technique Maintain Repair Integrity?: A Serial Evaluation by Ultrasonography

• DOI: 10.1007/s11999-009-0990-8
• Publication Date: 2009-07-22T19:18:28Z
• Authors: Jin-Young Park; Hawa Tahir Siti; Jung-Sup Keum; Sung-Gyu Moon; Kyung-Soo Oh
• Keywords: Cuff; Structural integrity; Rotator cuff injury

Biomechanical studies suggest a suture bridge technique enhances rotator cuff tendon footprint contact area, holding strength, and mean pressure. Based on these studies, we asked whether (1) the would provide high rate of integrity after surgery, (2) status repaired change with time, (3) preoperative factors could predict postoperative integrity, (4) patients retears had less favorable pain, functional scores, range motion (ROM), muscle strength compared those intact repairs. We prospectively followed 78 arthroscopic repairs in whom used technique. The repair was determined using ultrasonographic evaluation at 4.5 12 months surgery. Ultrasonography revealed cuffs 91% postoperatively, all which were maintained 12-month followup. Failure rates 17.6% (three 17) for massive tears, 11.1% (two 18) large 6.3% 32) medium no failures small tears. Preoperative fatty degeneration supraspinatus strong predictor integrity. found correlation between clinical outcomes except temporary decrease abduction 6 months. Arthroscopic can achieve low retear shoulders treated but occurrence did not influence outcome.Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines Authors complete description levels evidence.