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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2012 Sep;36(9):1877-83.
doi: 10.1007/s00264-012-1559-9. Epub 2012 May 16.

Single-row versus double-row arthroscopic repair in the treatment of rotator cuff tears: a prospective randomized clinical study

Ignacio Carbonel  1 , Angel Antonio Martinez, Angel Calvo, Jorge Ripalda, Antonio Herrera
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Single-row versus double-row arthroscopic repair in the treatment of rotator cuff tears: a prospective randomized clinical study

Ignacio Carbonel et al. Int Orthop. 2012 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with single-row and double-row techniques because research has demonstrated the superiority of double-row repair from a biological and mechanical point of view but there is no evidence of clinical superiority.

Methods: A total of 160 patients with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear underwent arthroscopic repair with suture anchors. They were randomised into two groups of 80 patients according to the repair technique: single-row (group 1) and double-row (group 2). Results were evaluated by use of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant questionnaires, the Shoulder Strength Index (SSI) and range of motion. Follow-up time was two years. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were performed on each shoulder preoperatively and two years after repair.

Results: One hundred per cent of the patients were followed up. All measurements showed significant improvement compared with the preoperative status. The UCLA score showed significant improvement in group 2. In over 30-mm tears UCLA and ASES showed significant differences. SSI showed significant improvement in group 2. Range of motion showed significant improvements in flexion and abduction in group 2. In under 30-mm tears group 2 showed also significant improvement in internal and external rotation. In MRI studies there were no significant differences.

Conclusions: At two years follow-up the double-row repair technique showed a significant difference in clinical outcome compared with single-row repair and this was even more significative in over 30-mm tears. No MRI differences were observed.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Single row: placement of anchors
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Single row: rotator cuff after arthroscopic repair
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Double row: placement of anchors
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Surgical arthroscopic image
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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