Evaluating the role of graft integrity on outcomes: clinical and imaging results following superior capsular reconstruction

Clinical and radiological outcomes between superior capsule reconstruction using allografts or xenografts: a 2-year retrospective comparison study

BACKGROUND

Treating symptomatic, massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears remains challenging and controversial. Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) using the tensor fascia lata has shown promising clinical results; however, due to donor site morbidity, interest in SCR using other grafts has increased. Yet, no studies have compared allografts with xenografts. In addition, the clinical results of graft tears remain controversial. This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of SCR between those with allografts and xenografts.

METHODS

Sixty-seven patients who had undergone SCR with allografts or xenografts between January 2016 and December 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Furthermore, 62 patients were evaluated 2 years postsurgery, with five patients excluded due to loss to follow-up or conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty. The Constant, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and visual analog scale scores, range of motion, and radiological outcomes were evaluated before the surgery and at 6 and 24 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The graft tear rate was 23.08% in the allograft group and 42.86% in the xenograft group at 6 months after surgery; at 2 years postsurgery, the gap further widened to 32.43% and 64%, respectively, showing a significant difference. The graft in the allograft group was thicker than that in the xenograft group, and there were significant differences on the humeral side and in the midsubstance area. The allograft group showed significantly better visual analog scale, Constant, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores than the xenograft group 2 years postsurgery. However, the difference in clinical outcomes between the two groups did not surpass minimal clinically important differences.

CONCLUSION

Although arthroscopic SCR using xenografts had significantly lower clinical outcome than allografts, this difference did not reach minimal clinically important differences. Arthroscopic SCR using xenografts showed higher graft tear rates than allografts. Even with partial tears, better results were obtained if the graft continuity was maintained. Additionally, after surgery, the xenograft showed less thickness than the allograft and resulted in more tears, specifically in the midsubstance area.

Biomechanical Comparison Between Superior Capsular Reconstruction and Lower Trapezius Tendon Transfer in Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears

BACKGROUND

Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) and lower trapezius tendon transfer (LTT) have recently been used to manage irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears (PSRCTs). There has been a paucity of comparative biomechanical considerations between the 2 procedures.

PURPOSE

To compare the glenohumeral stability and biomechanical properties between SCR and LTT in PSRCTs involving the entire infraspinatus tendon region.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested at 0°, 20°, and 40° of shoulder abduction. Maximum internal, external, and total humeral range of motion (ROM), superior translation of the humeral head, and subacromial contact characteristics were compared among 4 conditions: (1) intact rotator cuff, (2) PSRCTs involving the entire infraspinatus tendon region, (3) LTT using Achilles allograft (12 N and 24 N of loading), and (4) SCR using fascia lata allograft.

RESULTS

Although a decrease in total ROM was noted in LTT with 12 N compared with the tear condition, LTT with both 12 N and 24 N as well as SCR did not restrict total rotational ROM compared with the intact condition. LTT had decreased total ROM compared with tear condition at 20° of abduction (P = .042), while no significant decrease was confirmed at all abduction angles after SCR. SCR and LTT with 24 N decreased superior translation compared with the PSRCT condition at 0° and 20° of abduction (P < .037) but not significantly at 40° of abduction, whereas LTT with a 24-N load decreased glenohumeral superior translation at all abduction angles (P < .039). Both SCR and LTT decreased subacromial contact pressure compared with the tear condition (P < .014) at all abduction angles. SCR decreased subacromial contact pressure at 0° and 40° of abduction (P = .019 and P = .048, respectively) compared with LTT with 12 N of loading, while there was no difference between SCR and LTT with 24 N of loading in all abduction angles. SCR increased the contact area compared with the PSRCT condition at all abduction angles (P < .023), whereas LTT did not increase the contact area.

CONCLUSION

SCR and LTT decreased glenohumeral superior translation and contact pressure compared with PSRCT conditions. The LTT was superior to SCR in terms of superior translation of the humeral head at a higher shoulder abduction angle, whereas the SCR showed more advantageous subacromial contact characteristics compared with LTT.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These biomechanical findings provide insights into these 2 fundamentally different procedures for the treatment of young and active patients with PSRCTs involving the entire infraspinatus tendon region.

Superior capsular reconstruction for irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears

Although the superior portion of the shoulder joint capsule is a clearly distinct structure, its ability to prevent vertical humeral head translation in irreparable rotator cuff tears remains controversial. The clinical results of superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) in this context are satisfactory but the radiological outcomes are poor in up to two-thirds of patients. Moreover, there is no proof that SCR is more beneficial than simply doing a subacromial debridement, a partial repair or a tenotomy of the long head of biceps. Furthermore, graft healing is not predictive of success. Given the lack of comparative studies with high level of evidence (level 1 or 2), we cannot conclude that this surgical technique (and its many variants) has a place in our treatment paradigm. Also, it seems that xenografts are no longer being used given the high rate of structural failure seen on MRI and the large number of complications. If the long head of biceps tendon is still intact at the time of surgery, it is a feasible option for SCR given the reasonable cost and minimal complications. If it is not - but the subscapularis tendon is intact or repairable - an allograft or a non-local autograft should be considered, despite its unpredictable clinical results. Surgeons should inform patients of the high rate of radiological repair failure and the worse results if a reverse shoulder arthroplasty should be needed subsequently. Level of evidence: 4.

Better functional outcomes and a lower infection rate can be expected after superior capsular reconstruction in comparison with latissimus dorsi tendon transfer for massive, irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears, if left untreated, may result in cuff tear arthropathy, which causes shoulder disability and pain. The primary outcome of this systematic review was to evaluate differences in functional outcomes between the arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) and latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT) for the treatment of massive, irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears without arthritis. The secondary outcome was to compare complication and reoperation rates between the 2 surgical procedures.

METHODS

The PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Central databases were searched using keywords, and 20 studies were included in this review. Data extracted for quantitative analysis included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, the Constant-Murley score, the subjective shoulder value, the range of motion, the visual analog scale for pain, numbers and types of complications, and reoperation rate. The preoperative fatty degeneration of the muscles and the preoperative and follow-up acromiohumeral distance and glenohumeral osteoarthritis according to the Hamada grading system were also reported.

RESULTS

A total of 1112 patients were identified, among whom 407 and 399 underwent SCR and LDTT, respectively. The SCR group showed a higher mean age at the time of operation (64.5 ± 7.8 vs. 62.1 ± 8.9 years; P < .001). The SCR group showed a lower rate of previous surgical procedures on the shoulder (35 out of 407 vs. 111 out of 399; P < .001) and a shorter mean follow-up (30.4 ± 7.5 vs. 36.3 ± 10.3 months; P < .001). Patients who underwent SCR reported significantly better functionality and residual pain as measured by the Constant-Murley score (75.5 ± 11.2 vs. 65.6 ± 22.8, P < .001), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (84.3 ± 13 vs. 67.7 ± 23, P < .001), the subjective shoulder value (79.4 ± 13 vs. 64.4 ± 23, P < .001), and the visual analog scale (1.4 ± 2 vs. 2.8 ± 3, P < .001) than patients who underwent LDTT. A greater acromiohumeral distance (5.8 ± 2.5 vs. 7.6 ± 2.7, P < .001) was found in the SCR group. The SCR group showed a significantly lower infection rate (0.2% vs. 2.8%., P = .003) and a higher graft failure rate (12.3% vs. 6.8%, P = .012). No differences in terms of reoperation for graft failure (1% vs. 2.3% for SCR and LDTT, respectively; P = .172) or for conversion to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (1.7% vs. 2% for SCR and LDTT, respectively; P = .800) were found.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing SCR report better functional outcomes and greater acromiohumeral distance than those undergoing LDTT. The LDTT group shows a significantly higher infection rate, while the SCR group shows a significantly higher graft failure rate, but there are no differences in terms of reoperation between the 2 surgical procedures.

Structural and clinical outcomes after superior capsule reconstruction using an at least 6-mm-thick fascia lata autograft including the intermuscular septum

BACKGROUND

Superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) is a viable treatment option for irreparable rotator cuff tears. However, graft tear rate is highly variable in the previous studies, and the impact of graft tears on clinical outcomes after arthroscopic SCR remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the graft tear rate, timing of graft tear, and the impact of graft tears on clinical outcomes after arthroscopic SCR using an at least 6-mm-thick fascia lata autograft including the intermuscular septum.

METHODS

This retrospective multi-institutional study included 154 patients (79 women and 75 men; mean age, 69.9 yr; age range, 49-87 yr) with irreparable rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic SCR using an at least 6-mm-thick fascia lata autograft including the intermuscular septum and completed a minimum 2-year follow-up. Postoperative graft integrity was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging examinations performed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 mo after surgery. The presence of a full-thickness defect within the graft was diagnosed as a graft tear. In contrast, a graft without a full-thickness defect was diagnosed as a healed graft. We compared the following data between patients with and without graft tears: (1) baseline characteristics, (2) visual analog scale pain score, (3) Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, (4) American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons shoulder score, and (5) active range of motion.

RESULTS

The overall graft tear rate was 11.7% (18 of 154 patients). Of 18 graft tears, 14 (77.8%) occurred within 6 mo after SCR. Two additional graft tears were diagnosed at 12 mo postoperatively and another 2 at 24 mo after SCR. The visual analog scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores improved significantly after SCR in both patients with and without graft tears (all P < .0001). However, patients with graft tears showed significantly inferior postoperative visual analog scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores (1.9, 75.2, and 77.4, respectively) than those without graft tears (0.5, 93.1, and 92.3, respectively; all P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall graft tear rate after arthroscopic SCR using an at least 6-mm-thick fascia lata autograft including the intermuscular septum was low (11.7%), relatively to that reported in previous studies. The majority of graft tears (77.8%) occurred within 6 mo after SCR. Graft healing was associated with more favorable clinical outcomes after SCR.

Acellular Dermal Allograft and Tensor Fascia Lata Autograft Show Similar Patient Outcome Improvement and High Rates of Complications and Failures at a Minimum Two-Year Follow-up: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To compare clinical and radiologic outcomes following superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) using dermal allograft versus tensor fascia lata (TFL) autograft for massive rotator cuff tears with a minimum 2-year follow-up.

METHODS

A literature search was performed by querying Scopus, EMBASE, and PubMed computerized databases from database inception through September 2022 in accordance with the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Studies evaluating clinical and radiologic outcomes, as well as complications following SCR for the treatment of massive rotator cuff tears were included. Study quality was assessed via the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment. The mean change from preoperative to postoperative values (delta) was calculated for each outcome.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies, consisting of 519 patients were identified. Mean duration of follow-up ranged from 24 to 60 months. Mean reduction in visual analog scale pain score ranged from 2.9 to 5.9 points following use of dermal allograft, and 3.4 to 7.0 points following TFL autograft reconstruction. Mean improvements in American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score were similar between groups (dermal allograft: 28.0-61.6; TFL autograft: 24.7-59.3). The mean increase in forward flexion ranged from 31° to 38° with dermal allograft, versus 19° to 69° with TFL autograft. Average improvement in active external rotation with dermal allograft ranged from -0.4° to 11° and from 2° to 22.4° using TFL autograft. A similar change in acromiohumeral distance following SCR (dermal allograft: 0.9-3.2 mm; TFL autograft: 0.3-3.6 mm) was appreciated. The rate of complications within the dermal allograft group ranged from 4.5% to 38.2% versus 13.3% to 86.4% following TFL autograft. Failure rate ranged from 4.5 to 38.2% following dermal allograft versus 4.5 to 86.4% with TFL autograft.

CONCLUSIONS

Acellular dermal allograft versus TFL autograft for SCR both demonstrate improved VAS and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores, with increased values in flexion and external rotation, and increased visual analog scale, although with high variability. Both grafts demonstrate high rates of complications and failures at minimum 2-year follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; systematic review of level II-IV studies.

Factors influencing clinical outcomes in superior capsular reconstruction: A scoping review

Background

It is undetermined how effective superior capsule/capsular reconstruction (SCR) is, and which factors influence clinical outcomes.

Questions/purposes

(1) To identify which factors influence outcomes in SCR, (2) to evaluate the effect of graft integrity on clinical outcomes, and (3) to compare SCR to other procedures for irreparable rotator cuff tears.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched for clinical SCR studies. Data on specific factors that influenced outcomes, that compared outcomes between intact/torn graft groups, or compared SCR to alternative treatments for irreparable tears were extracted by two investigators. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to compare outcomes between intact vs torn SCR grafts.

Results

394 articles were identified. 100 full-text articles were screened. 13 studies were included for scoping review. Eight studies were meta-analyzed. Better clinical scores were found in younger patients, with intact/repairable subscapularis, without acetabulization/arthritis, who played sports. In patients with irreparable tears without arthritis, SCR produced similar clinical scores at 2 years as shoulder arthroplasty and partial infraspinatus repair, and greater improvements in ASES and Constant scores than latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. Intact grafts produced better VAS (mean difference [MD] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [-1.45-0.50], P < 0.0001, I 2 = 67%, n [patients] = 261), ASES (MD = 8.29, [2.89-13.70], P = 0.003, I 2 = 74%, n = 281), external rotation (MD = 4.49, [0.36-8.61], P = 0.03, I 2 = 0%, n = 240), and acromiohumeral distance (MD = 2.45, [0.96-3.94], P = 0.001, I 2 = 92%, n = 260) than torn grafts.

Conclusions

Patients who underwent SCR for irreparable rotator cuff tears were more likely to have better clinical outcomes if they were younger, had intact/repairable subscapularis, without acetabulization/arthritis, played sports and had intact grafts.

Superior capsule reconstruction, partial cuff repair, graft interposition, arthroscopic debridement or balloon spacers for large and massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Multiple non-arthroplasty surgical techniques are described for the management of large and massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. There is currently no consensus on the best management strategy. Our aim was to compare clinical outcomes following arthroscopic debridement, arthroscopic partial cuff repair, superior capsule reconstruction, balloon spacers or graft interposition for the management of large and massive irreparable rotator cuff tears.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed of the following databases: Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Data were extracted from relevant studies published since January 2000 according to the pre-specified inclusion criteria. The primary outcome was the post-operative improvement in shoulder scores. Meta-analysis of the primary outcome was performed. Secondary outcomes included retear rates and complications.

RESULTS

Eighty-two studies were included reporting the outcomes of 2790 shoulders. Fifty-one studies were included in the meta-analysis of the primary outcome. The definition of an irreparable tear varied. All procedures resulted in improved shoulder scores at early follow-up. Shoulder scores declined after 2 years following balloon spacers, arthroscopic debridement and partial cuff repair. High retear rates were seen with partial cuff repairs (45%), graft interposition (21%) and superior capsule reconstruction (21%).

CONCLUSIONS

Large initial improvements in shoulder scores were demonstrated for all techniques despite high retear rates for reconstructive procedures. Shoulder scores may decline at mid- to long-term follow-up.

The Number of Surgeons Using Superior Capsular Reconstruction for Rotator Cuff Repair Is Declining

Purpose

To investigate surgeon preferences for graft use, including biologic augmentation and superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) associated with surgical treatment of rotator cuff repair (RCR).

Methods

A 26-question survey was completed by arthroscopic shoulder surgeons. Surgeon demographics were evaluated. Surgeons were queried about shoulder arthroscopic graft use and rationale then responses were analyzed based on demographics.

Results

In total, 260 surgeons completed the survey. Fifty-one percent of surgeons reported a decrease in the volume of SCR use in the past 5 years. Less than 3% of surgeons used SCR in >90% of irreparable RCR cases, compared with 38% using SCR in <10% of irreparable cases (P < .05). Surgeons performing >100 RCR annually (42%; P < .05) and those employed in the hospital setting (44%; P < .05) reported an overall increase in the use of SCR. More international surgeons (67%) decreased their use of SCR compared with U.S. surgeons (44%; P < .05). In contrast, bioinductive graft use is generally on the rise, with 48% of surgeons reporting increased use since first use, although used in <10% of cases by 54% of surgeons. Sixty-eight percent of surgeons performing >100 RCRs annually used bioinductive grafts (P < .05). Fewer international surgeons (30%) performed biologic augmentation (P < .05). Suboptimal published outcomes (40%) and no perceived patient benefit (40%) were most cited for decreased SCR use. Surgeons reporting increased use cited improved personal patient outcomes (72%).

Conclusions

Arthroscopic surgeons report decrease in volume of SCR use in the past 5 years. Surgeon's personal experience of patient outcome and suboptimal published results were the strongest factors impacting decision-making. In contrast, bioinductive graft use is increasing. However, most surgeons use these grafts in a relatively small percentage of cases.

Clinical Relevance

Evaluation of scientific data, personal experience, and influences on surgical practice will give a comprehensive understanding of current RCR practices.

Donor-Site Morbidity After Autologous Fascia Lata Harvest for Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction: A Midterm Follow-up Evaluation

Background:

Autologous fascia lata (AFL) graft use in arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) is effective for the treatment of irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs). Although donor-site morbidity (DSM) is a recurrent argument against AFL graft use, scientific evidence for this argument is lacking.

Purpose:

To report the midterm clinical follow-up evaluation of DSM in ASCR using minimally invasively harvested AFL grafts and compare thigh function and patient satisfaction with those of an unharvested control group.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Of 66 consecutive patients who underwent ASCR using a minimally invasively harvested AFL graft, 39 patients with a minimum follow-up of 24 months were retrospectively evaluated (ASCR group) and compared with 39 randomly selected patients who underwent arthroscopic RCT repair by the same surgeons (control group). The functional outcomes of both thighs were evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Patient satisfaction was evaluated using the Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ) and a subjective questionnaire. Pain was quantified using a visual analog scale (VAS).

Results:

The ASCR group had a mean age of 65 years (range, 51-77 years) and a mean follow-up of 47 months (range, 24-66 months). The WOMAC score in the harvested thigh differed by 0.8% from that in the contralateral thigh ( P = .002). The mean PSAQ score differed by 6 points from the minimum PSAQ score ( P < .001). Overall, 95% of the patients indicated that they would undergo the same surgery again and that the shoulder outcome compensated for the thigh symptoms. There was no significant association between the presence of residual thigh symptoms and the willingness to undergo the same surgery again ( P = .354). The mean VAS score in the harvested thigh was 0.6 (range, 0-5). There was no significant difference in the average WOMAC score or VAS score between groups ( P = .684 and P = .148, respectively).

Conclusion:

Despite the proportion of residual symptoms, the associated functional effects were small and not clinically significant, and the vast majority of patients were accepting of the harvest symptoms given the improvement in shoulder function.

Arthroscopic Biologic Interpositional Tuberosity Graft for the Treatment of Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

Massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears in younger, more active patients present a unique treatment challenge to shoulder surgeons. In the past few years, new techniques continue to emerge to address this challenging problem. The superior capsular reconstruction technique has been accepted as an option for addressing this problem. While initial results are encouraging, pitfalls remain regarding technical challenges, healing and protracted rehabilitation due to delayed motion protocols. We present an alternative approach to the massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears using a biologic interpositional humeral -based graft.

Clinical Outcomes of Superior Capsular Reconstruction for Massive, Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic Review Comparing Acellular Dermal Allograft and Autograft Fascia Lata

Purpose

To investigate clinical outcomes after superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) for the treatment of massive and/or irreparable rotator cuff tears treated with either allograft or autograft.

Methods

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, in April 2020 a systematic review was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Clinical studies were assessed for patient-reported outcomes and range of motion, comparing dermal allografts to fascia lata autografts, with a minimum follow-up of 12 months.

Results

A total of 16 clinical studies involving 598 patients (606 shoulders) were included for data analysis, with a weighted mean follow-up of 36.9 months (range 12 to 60). Visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores decreased from 4.0 to 6.9 mm preoperatively to 0 to 2.5 mm postoperatively. American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons score increased from 20.3 to 54.5 preoperatively to 73.7 to 97.0 postoperatively. Forward flexion increased from 27.0° to 142.7° preoperatively to 134.5° to 167.0° postoperatively. External rotation increased from 13.2° to 41.0° preoperatively to 30.0° to 59.0° postoperatively. Acromiohumeral distance increased from 3.4 to 7.1 mm preoperatively to 6.0 to 9.7 mm postoperatively. The total rates of complications, graft failure, and revision surgery were 5.6%, 13.9%, and 6.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

Irrespective of tissue source, SCR serves as a reasonable joint-preserving option for massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears, with favorable short- to midterm improvements in patient-reported outcomes and range of motion.

Level of Evidence

IV, systematic review of level III and IV studies.