Mid-term results and quantitative comparison of postoperative shoulder function in traumatic and non-traumatic rotator cuff tears

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to compare the postoperative range of motion (ROM) and patient satisfaction after surgical reconstruction of traumatic and non-traumatic rotator cuff tears.

Materials and methods: The cases of 46 consecutive patients who underwent the same standardised surgical reconstruction and postoperative rehabilitation protocol between 1993 and 1998 were reviewed. Traumatic (group I, n=20, average age 34.2 years, range 15-49 years) and non-traumatic tears (group II, n=26, average age 54.1 years, range 50-68 years) formed the two study groups. Mean follow-up lasted 47.1 months (range 13-105 months) in group I and 41.4 months (range 11-94 months) in group II. Assessment included postoperative shoulder function with Constant and Murley's score and visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results: Significantly ( p=0.0019) better results were observed in group I with an average of 94.1 points for Constant's score, compared with 75.3 points in group II. Postoperative shoulder function was not affected regarding full-thickness or partial tears ( p=0.239) in group I. VAS revealed an excellent or good result in all patients of group I ( n=20) and 50% of group II ( n=13/26). Quantitative comparison of postoperative ROM demonstrated significantly better results in forward flexion ( p=0.013), abduction ( p=0.0019) and external rotation ( p=0.0042) for group I. The remaining postoperative external rotation deficit for group II with a loss of 31% compared with group I (38.9 degrees vs 56.6 degrees ) was statistically and clinically relevant.

Conclusion: The results demonstrate that surgical reconstruction of traumatic and non-traumatic rotator cuff tears is a successful procedure. Comparison of both groups revealed significantly better postoperative results in the younger, traumatic collective.