Superior Capsular Reconstruction for the Operatively Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tear: Clinical Outcomes Are Maintained 2 Years After Surgery

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the results of arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) after 2-year minimum follow-up and to compare the results with those seen in a previously studied group of patients at 1 year postoperatively.

Methods: The retrospective study period was October 2014 through September 2016. Inclusion criteria were arthroscopic dermal allograft SCR performed for operatively irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tear with intact or repairable subscapularis tendon, failure of nonoperative treatment, and clinical follow-up at 1 and minimum 2 years postoperatively. Patients lost to follow-up or undergoing revision of the SCR were excluded from the analysis. The primary outcome measure was American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score (mean, [95% confidence interval], P value). Secondary outcomes included visual analog pain rating (0-10), subjective shoulder value, and active forward elevation and external rotation (degrees). Radiographic analysis included acromiohumeral interval (millimeters) and graft integrity 1-year postoperation. Complications and reoperations were reviewed from the medical record.

Results: Forty-one patients met inclusion criteria at mean 34 months postoperatively, and 8 were excluded. ASES score improved from 52 (46-57) preoperative to 90 (87-92; P < .0001) and 89 (86-92; P < .0001) at 1-year postoperation and at final follow-up without diminishing in the interim (P = .9). All secondary clinical outcomes improved from preoperative to final follow-up. Subjective shoulder value diminished 5% between 1 year and final follow-up (P = .03), whereas active external rotation improved 11° during this time (P = .02). In total, 85% of grafts were fully healed, with acromiohumeral interval improved from 7 (6-8) mm to 8 mm (7-9; P = .04). There were 2 (5%) revisions and 6 (14%) failures to reach the minimally clinically important improvement in ASES score: a 19% rate of unsatisfactory outcomes. There was an additional 1 reoperation (2%) and 1 (2%) medical complication.

Conclusions: Arthroscopic joint preservation surgery for massive, operatively irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears with dermal allograft SCR and associated procedures results in improved clinical outcomes that are durable between 1 and minimum 2-year follow-up.

Level of evidence: IV retrospective case series.