Factors correlated with the optimal tension for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using Grasper Tensioning Attachment

Arthroscopic Posterosuperior Cuff Muscle Advancement with Linked-Double Row Repair: Yes, I'll Have My Cake and Eat It Too!

The goal of massive, retracted rotator cuff repair surgery is structural healing that produces pain relief and strength restoration. Healing is difficult to achieve in patients with large, retracted, chronic, and fatty degenerated tears. High repair tension has previously been shown to be a risk factor for clinically and structurally failed repairs. Repair tension can be decreased by arthroscopic mobilization of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscle bellies (AMA) from their scapular origins with subsequent lateralization of the muscle-tendon units toward the repair site. Linked-double row repair of the tendons after AMA has been shown to improve the outcomes of repairs in high-risk rotator cuff repairs. Surgeons should consider adding AMA to their intraoperative armamentarium for use in retracted cuff tears where traditional techniques fail to achieve a low-tension repair state.

Quantification of the passive behavior of the glenohumeral joint: A biomechanical study

Shoulder stabilization and arthroplasty procedures aim to restore the complex motion innate to the glenohumeral joint relying on proper tensioning of the surrounding soft-tissues at the time of surgery. Joint instability remains a leading cause for revisions of these procedures necessitating a deeper understanding of the passive constraint of the intact glenohumeral joint. The current literature lacks comprehensive analysis of the passive glenohumeral joint in all degrees-of-freedom (DOF). The objective of the present study is to better understand this complex joint by quantifying the passive laxity of the glenohumeral joint in multiple DOFs over a range of motion. Sixteen fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested in the intact state using a robotic simulator capable of six-DOF motion. The limits of range of motion was quantified in separate laxity tests applying a ± 2 Nm internal-external (IE) torque, ±20 N anterior-posterior (AP) force, ±20 N superior-inferior (SI) force and a 44 N distraction force at six levels of glenohumeral abduction. Overall, glenohumeral joint laxity was greatest between 15° and 45° of abduction except for SI translation which increased with abduction. IE rotation and AP translation were dominated by external rotation and anterior translation, respectively. Although early abduction and late abduction produced similar laxities, the increase in laxity in the mid abduction range indicates it is important to assess the shoulder joint throughout the range of motion and not just at these two end points. The presented laxity data establishes a baseline for intact shoulder laxity over a range of motion in multiple DOFs under known loading conditions.

Medialized Rip-Stop Convergence Technique for Retracted Rotator Cuff Tears

Attempts to restore the anatomical footprint during rotator cuff repair for retracted, relatively immobile tears can be difficult. In some cases, it can lead to excessive tension of the repair. Previous studies have noted improved clinical outcomes when repair tension is not excessive, and medialization of the anatomical footprint has been suggested as a technique that can help surgeons repair large, retracted tears without excessive tension and achieve improved clinical outcomes. Of note, excessive tension when restoring the rotator cuff tendon to the anatomical footprint is not limited to large, retracted tears. In some cases, restoring small- and medium-sized tears to the anatomical footprint also can lead to excessive tension. Therefore, it is not uncommon for the authors to employ some degree of footprint medialization even for repair of small- or medium-sized tears if repair to the anatomical footprint will lead to excess tension. The purpose of this article and video demonstration is to provide instruction for a reproducible rotator cuff technique using a medialized single-row rip-stop construct combined with convergence.

Excessively High Repair Tension Decreases Microvascular Blood Flow Within the Rotator Cuff

BACKGROUND

Repair tension and microvascular blood flow within the rotator cuff has a critical impact on tendon healing after rotator cuff repair. However, the relationship between repair tension and microvascular blood flow within the rotator cuff remains unclear.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS

The purpose of this study was to determine how much tension adversely affects microvascular blood flow within the rotator cuff. The hypothesis was that as the repair tension increases, the microvascular blood flow within the rotator cuff decreases.

STUDY DESIGN

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS

Repair tension and microvascular blood flow within the rotator cuff of 30 patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears were simultaneously measured using a digital tension meter and a contact-type laser Doppler flowmeter, respectively. Microvascular blood flow was measured under 4 levels of tension (0, 10, 20, and 30 N) at 5 points on the rotator cuff. The obtained values were statistically analyzed by a linear mixed-effects model to clarify the effect of tension on microvascular blood flow within the rotator cuff.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in microvascular blood flow (mL/min/100 g) within the rotator cuff between 0 N (mean, 3.51; 95% CI, 3.0-4.0) and 10 N (mean, 3.74; 95% CI, 3.2-4.3) of tension (P = .716). However, there were statistically significant differences in microvascular blood flow within the rotator cuff between 0 and 20 N of tension (mean, 2.84; 95% CI, 2.3-3.4) (P = .002) and between 0 and 30 N of tension (mean, 2.45; 95% CI, 1.9-3.0) (P < .001).

CONCLUSION/CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Our findings indicate that tension of ≥10 N during rotator cuff repair significantly decreases the microvascular blood flow within the rotator cuff. These data will contribute to determining the optimal repair tension during rotator cuff repair.

Satisfactory functional and structural outcomes of anterior cable reconstruction using the proximal biceps tendon for large retracted rotator cuff tears

PURPOSE

Large retracted anterior L-shaped tear characterized by a retracted supraspinatus tendon to the glenoid level combined with a relatively preserved infraspinatus tendon is one of the challenging tear patterns in achieving complete repair to the anatomic footprint. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and tendon integrity of rotator cuff repair combined with anterior cable reconstruction using the proximal biceps tendon in patients with large retracted anterior L-shaped rotator cuff tear.

METHODS

This study prospectively enrolled patients who underwent arthroscopic anterior cable reconstruction using the proximal biceps tendon for large retracted anterior L-shaped rotator cuff tears between 2018 and 2020 with a minimum 2-year follow-up. The anterior portion of the rotator cable was reconstructed using tenotomized proximal biceps tendon fixed with two suture anchors at the footprint. The retracted supraspinatus tendon was repaired on the biceps tendon without undue tension. The proximal portion of the infraspinatus tendon was repaired with the biceps tendon-supraspinatus tendon complex. Clinical outcomes was assessed during the follow-up period. Tendon integrity and retear size were evaluated by postoperative MRI.

RESULTS

A total of 32 consecutive patients were included. The ASES score was significantly improved from 66.6 ± 16.6 preoperatively to 94.1 ± 6.1 postoperatively (P < 0.001), and the VAS for pain was significantly relieved from 2.8 ± 1.9 preoperatively to 0.5 ± 0.4 postoperatively (P < 0.001). All patients were satisfied postoperatively regardless of tendon integrity (P = 0.015). Postoperative ROM was increased continuously during the follow-up period (P < 0.001). The Popeye sign was found in 4 patients (12.5%). Six patients (18.7%) had rotator cuff retears. However, the ASES score of patients with retear was significantly improved from 72.8 ± 13.3 preoperatively to 91.1 ± 6.7 postoperatively (P < 0.001). Relative changes in the retear size compared with the primary tear size were -56.8 ± 14.4% for the anteroposterior diameter and - 70.6 ± 6.1% for the mediolateral diameter.

CONCLUSIONS

Rotator cuff repair combined with anterior cable reconstruction using the proximal biceps tendon provided satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes for large retracted anterior L-shaped tears. Anterior cable reconstruction using the proximal biceps tendon is a sound surgical option for the patients with large retracted anterior rotator cuff tear.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.