A comparison of partial repair with arthroscopic margin convergence suture and open superior capsular reconstruction in patients with massive rotator cuff tear

Introduction: Massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) remain a controversial problem for clinicians. There are several recommendations in the literature, from various surgical techniques to the effectiveness of conservative treat- ment. In this study, we aimed to compare clinical outcomes and functional results of open superior capsular reconstruction for massive rotator cuff tear and arthroscopic partial rotator cuff repair with margin convergence. Material and methods: This study included 40 patients with massive ro- tator cuff tears that could not be treated with arthroscopic partial repair with margin convergence or open superior capsular reconstruction. The pa- tients were divided into 2 groups according to the treatment method. Pa- tient assignments for each group were not randomized. Group 1 consisted of 20 patients who underwent open superior capsular reconstruction, and Group 2 comprised 20 patients who underwent arthroscopic partial repair. UCLA (University of California Los Angeles), CS (Constant shoulder score) scores, and the visual analogue pain scale (VAS) were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the patients.

Results: At the time of the latest follow-up evaluation, both groups showed significant improvements in clinical outcomes (p < 0.05). There were no sig- nificant differences in the clinical outcomes between groups. The preoper- ative tear size was statistically significantly higher in the superior capsular reconstruction group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Our results supported the benefits of arthroscopic and open surgical technique with similar clinical results in the treatment of massive rotator cuff tear. We think that arthroscopic partial repair may be preferred by surgeons because it is minimally invasive compared to open superior capsular reconstruction.