Treatment of rotator cuff tears: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Arthroscopic evaluation of the rotator cuff vasculature: inferences into the pathogenesis of cuff tear and re-tear

BACKGROUND

Little is known about alterations of the rotator cuff (RC) macroscopic vasculature associated with medical conditions and/or habits that predispose a person to diseases of the peripheral microcirculation. The high frequency of cuff tear and re-tear in patients with diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, uncontrolled arterial hypertension, or metabolic syndrome may be due to tissue hypovascularity.

METHODS

The macroscopic vasculature of both the articular and bursal sides of the posterosuperior RC was evaluated arthroscopically in 107 patients (mean age, 58.2 years) with no RC tear. Patients were divided into three groups according to medical comorbidities and lifestyle factors (group I, none; group II, smokers and/or drinkers and one comorbidity; and group III, two or more comorbidities). Pulsating vessels originating from both the myotendinous and osteotendinous junctions were assessed as "clearly evident," "poorly evident," or "not evident."

RESULTS

Groups I, II, and III comprised 36, 45, and 26 patients, respectively. Within the myotendinous junction, vessels were visualized in 22 group I patients (61%), 25 group II patients (55%), and 6 group III patients (23%) (P=0.007). Pulsating arterial vessels originating from the osteotendinous junction were seen in 42%, 36%, and 0% of patients, respectively (P<0.001). Within the bursal side of the RC, a dense anastomotic network was visualized (either clearly or poorly) in 94% (34), 80% (36), and 35% (9) of patients, respectively (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The macroscopic vasculature of the RC is influenced by pre-existing diseases and lifestyle factors, which may impair peripheral microcirculation. Level of evidence: III.

Editorial Commentary: Lower Trapezius Transfer May Be Indicated for Surgical Management of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears in Younger, Non-Arthritic Patients

Although shoulder rotator cuff repair fixation constructs and suture anchor design have evolved, repair of massive or functionally irreparable tears historically has relied on tendon mobilization and compression, optimizing footprint biology, and attempting a tension-free repair. However, despite these efforts, rates of failure of complete healing may be high, ranging from 20% to 94%. This has led to a search for alternative approaches, including bridging grafts, subacromial balloons, superior capsular reconstructions, biologic tuberoplasties, bursal acromial grafts, and, ultimately, renewed interest in tendon transfers. The latissimus dorsi transfer was traditionally a preferred tendon-transfer technique for posterosuperior massive cuff tears, but inconsistent outcomes have resulted in declining popularity. Recently, the lower trapezius transfer (LTT) has gained acceptance for the treatment of posterosuperior tears, particularly with external rotation weakness and lag signs. The LTT is biomechanically superior to the latissimus dorsi transfer, offering a more native vector of pull and in-phase activation. LTT could be indicated for younger patients with massive cuff tears. However, LTT is relatively contraindicated in patients with cuff tear arthropathy; combined loss of elevation and external rotation; irreparable subscapularis tear; teres minor involvement; and/or those of advanced age or unable to comply with rigid rehabilitation guidelines.

Lower Trapezius Transfer Improves Clinical Outcomes With a Rate of Complications and Reoperations Comparable to Other Surgical Alternatives in Patients with Functionally Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE

To analyze the clinical outcomes of lower trapezius transfer (LTT) for patients with functionally irreparable rotator cuff tears (FIRCT) and summarize the available literature regarding complications and reoperations.

METHODS

After registration in the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO [CRD42022359277]), a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed. Inclusion criteria were English, full-length, peer-reviewed publications with a level of evidence IV or higher reporting on clinical outcomes of LTT for FIRCT. Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus via Elsevier databases were searched. Clinical data, complications and revisions were systematically recorded.

RESULTS

Seven studies with 159 patients were identified. The mean age range was 52 to 63 years, 70.4% of the patients included were male, and the mean follow-up time ranged between 14 and 47 months. At final follow-up, LTT lead to improvements in range of motion, with reported forward elevation (FE) and external rotation (ER) mean gains of 10° to 66° and 11° to 63°, respectively. ER lag was present before surgery in 78 patients and was reversed after LTT in all shoulders. Patient-reported outcomes were improved at final follow-up, including the American Shoulder and Elbow Society score, Shoulder Subjective Value and Visual Analogue Scale. The overall complication rate was 17.6%, and the most reported complication was posterior harvest site seroma/hematoma (6.3%). The most common reoperation was conversion to reverse shoulder arthroplasty (5%) with an overall reoperation rate of 7.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower trapezius transfer improves clinical outcomes in patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears with a rate of complications and reoperations comparable to other surgical alternatives in this group of patients. Increases in forward flexion and ER are to be expected, as well as a reversal of ER lag sign when present before surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, systematic review of Level III-IV studies.

Clinical Outcomes and Tendon Healing After Arthroscopic Isolated Subscapularis Tendon Repair: Results at Midterm Follow-up

Background

Few studies have reported clinical outcomes and tendon healing rates after arthroscopic isolated subscapularis (SSC) repair (AISR).

Purpose/Hypothesis

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and tendon healing after AISR. It was hypothesized that AISR would result in satisfactory clinical outcomes along with a high rate of tendon healing at the midterm follow-up. The secondary purpose was to assess the influence of tear size and muscle atrophy on SSC tendon healing and patient-reported outcomes. It was hypothesized that both would be negatively correlated with healing but would have no effect on clinical outcomes .

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on prospectively collected data for 77 patients who underwent primary AISR between 2011 and 2021 at a single institution, with a minimum 2-year postoperative follow-up for all patients. Functional outcomes were assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, the Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), and the visual analog scale for pain. Repair techniques and concomitant procedures were also collected. SSC tendon healing was evaluated via ultrasound at the final follow-up. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine factors affecting SSC healing.

Results

The mean follow-up was 58.1 ± 3.3 months. ASES scores significantly improved from 41.5 to 81.6, and the SSV improved from 38.2 to 80.5 (P < .01 for both). Among the 40 patients (51.9%) who underwent postoperative ultrasound, 87.5% showed complete tendon healing. There were no significant differences in outcome scores between healed and unhealed tendons. Increased muscle atrophy and larger tears were correlated with failure of SSC healing (β = -0.285 [P = .015] and β = -0.157 [P = .045], respectively).

Conclusion

Improved clinical outcomes and an overall high rate of tendon healing were seen at the midterm follow-up after AISR. Smaller tear sizes with less muscle atrophy were correlated with improved tendon healing. However, even when the tendon incompletely healed, the procedure improved functional outcomes.

Corticosteroid injection prior to surgery had no effect on 2-year outcomes following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Background

Corticosteroid injections (CSIs) can be an effective nonsurgical treatment for patients with rotator cuff tears. Recent large database studies have raised concern that CSI may result in a higher reoperation rate, increased infection risk, and worse outcome after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reoperation rate, incidence of postoperative infection, and two-year outcomes of patients undergoing ARCR with and without the use of preoperative CSI.

Methods

An institutional database generated from fellowship-trained orthopedic sports surgeons was retrospectively queried for patients who underwent ARCR with a minimum of two-year follow-up. Inclusion criteria consisted of 1) primary full-thickness rotator cuff tear and 2) preoperative and minimum two-year patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Of the 219 patients identified, 134 patients had preoperative subacromial CSI administered within one year of ARCR. Reoperation rate, number of injections, Visual Analog Scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score, Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation, and Veterans Rand 12-Item Health Survey Physical Component Score/Mental Component Score were compared between groups at six months, one year, and two years. Chi-square and t-tests were used to compare baseline differences, postoperative infections, and reoperations. A repeated measures Analyses of Covariance was used to measure differences between PROMs at each time point. Simple Analyses of Covariance were used for the two-year sub-analyses for patients receiving CSI within 90 days of surgery and if multiple preoperative CSI had been given (α ≤ 0.05).

Results

There were no significant demographic differences between groups (P > .05). Preoperative use of subacromial CSI within one year prior to ARCR did not increase reoperation rate (P = .85) or impact PROMs at any timepoint. There were two reoperations during the study period in the CSI group (2 lysis of adhesions). No infections occurred in either cohort. No differences were found if injections were performed within 90 days of surgery or if more than one CSI was administered within the year prior to surgery (P > .05).

Conclusion

Our results show that preoperative CSI prior to primary ARCR did not increase risk of reoperation, infection, or influence PROMs with a minimum follow-up of 2 years.

Long-lasting decreased pain threshold negatively affects functional recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

PURPOSE

The relationship between sensitization and postoperative function in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-and postoperative reductions in the pressure pain threshold (PPT) on postoperative clinical outcomes in patients with ARCR and investigate changes in PPT and clinical outcomes resulting from postoperative administration of weak opioids activating the central inhibitory system.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients who underwent primary ARCR, categorized into Group A (excellent/good Constant scores) and B (fair/poor Constant scores). In a complementary study, patients were randomized to the Control or Tramadol groups. Both studies evaluated the PPT, visual analog scale, active range of motion (ROM), Constant score, and retear rates pre-and postoperatively.

RESULTS

In the primary study with 158 patients, those with poor clinical outcomes exhibited significantly lower PPT at the affected shoulder preoperatively at 3 months postoperatively compared to those with good outcomes. The PPT of the affected side was lower than that of the uninvolved side not only at 1 and 3 months but also preoperatively and at 6 months in the poor outcome group. In the secondary study involving 96 patients, weak opioid administration was associated with increased PPT for 3 months, improved ROM at 3 months postoperatively, and reduced postoperative pain 1 year postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Patients experiencing poor postoperative clinical outcomes exhibited prolonged lowered PPT. Lowered PPT due to sensitization may adversely affect functional recovery and pain perception. Elevating PPT using weak opioids improved clinical outcomes during the acute perioperative period after ARCR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Rotator Cuff Repair and Overlay Augmentation by Direct Interlocking of a Nonwoven Polyethylene Terephthalate Patch Into the Tendon: Evaluation in an Ovine Model

BACKGROUND

Arthroscopic repair of large rotator cuff tendon tears is associated with high rates of retear. Construct failure often occurs at the suture-tendon interface. Patch augmentation can improve mechanical strength and healing at this interface.

PURPOSE

To introduce a novel technique for suture-free attachment of an overlaid patch and evaluate its biomechanical strength and biological performance.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive and controlled laboratory studies.

METHODS

An established ovine model of partial infraspinatus tendon resection and immediate repair was used. After a nonwoven polyethylene terephthalate patch was overlaid to the resected tendon, a barbed microblade was used to draw fibers of the patch directly into the underlying tissue. In vivo histological assessment of healing was performed at 6 and 13 weeks after implantation. Ex vivo models were used to characterize primary repair strength of the suture-free patch fixation to tendon. Additional ex vivo testing assessed the potential of the technique for patch overlay augmentation of suture-based repair.

RESULTS

The in vivo study revealed no macroscopic evidence of adverse tissue reactions to the interlocked patch fibers. Histological testing indicated a normal host healing response with minimal fibrosis. Uniform and aligned tissue ingrowth to the core of the patch was observed from both the tendon and the bone interfaces to the patch. There was no evident retraction of the infraspinatus muscle, lengthening of the tendon, or tendon gap formation over 13 weeks. Ex vivo testing revealed that direct patch interlocking yielded tendon purchase equivalent to a Mason-Allen suture (150 ± 58 vs 154 ± 49 N, respectively; P = .25). In an overlay configuration, fiber interlocked patch augmentation increased Mason-Allen suture retention strength by 88% (from 221 ± 43 N to 417 ± 86 N; P < .01) with no detectable difference in repair stiffness.

CONCLUSION

Testing in an ovine model of rotator cuff tendon repair suggested that surgical interlocking of a nonwoven medical textile can provide effective biomechanical performance, support functional tissue ingrowth, and help avoid musculotendinous retraction after surgical tendon repair.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The novel technique may facilitate patch augmentation of rotator cuff repairs.

Superior capsular reconstruction using the long head of the biceps to treat massive rotator cuff tears improves patients shoulder pain, mobility and function

PURPOSE

Arthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) with the long head of the biceps (LHBT) was performed to restore structural stability, force couple balance, and shoulder joint function. This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcomes of SCR using the LHBT over at least 24 months of follow-up.

METHOD

This retrospective study included 89 patients with massive rotator cuff tears who underwent SCR using the LHBT, met the inclusion criteria and underwent follow up for at least 24 months. The preoperative and postoperative shoulder range of motion (forward flexion, external rotation, and abduction), acromiohumeral interval (AHI), visual analog scale (VAS) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and Constant-Murley score were obtained, and the tear size, and Goutallier and Hamada grades were also investigated.

RESULTS

Compared with those measured preoperatively, the range of motion, AHI, and VAS, Constant-Murley, and ASES scores were significantly improved immediately postoperatively (P < 0.001) and at the 6-month, 12-month, and final follow-ups (P < 0.001). At the last follow-up, the postoperative ASES score and Constant-Murley score increased from 42.8 ± 7.6 to 87.4 ± 6.1, and 42.3 ± 8.9 to 84.9 ± 10.7, respectively; with improvements of 51 ± 21.7 in forward flexion, 21.0 ± 8.1 in external rotation, and 58.5 ± 22.5 in abduction. The AHI increased 2.1 ± 0.8 mm and the VAS score significantly changed from 6.0 (5.0, 7.0) to 1.0 (0.0, 1.0), at the final follow-up. Eleven of the 89 patients experienced retears, and one patient needed reoperation.

CONCLUSION

In this study with at least 24-months of follow-up, SCR using the LHBT for massive rotator cuff tears could effectively relieve shoulder pain, restore shoulder function and increase shoulder mobility to some extent.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

The Effects of Pre-existing Mood Disorders on Patient-Reported Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature to evaluate the effect of pre-existing mood disorders on patient-reported outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR).

METHODS

Two independent reviewers performed a literature search using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases. Only studies which grouped as either having a pre-existing mood disorder (namely anxiety and/or depression) or not and evaluated patient-reported outcomes following ARCR procedures were considered for inclusion. Meta-analysis was performed on outcomes using RevMan, with a p-value <0.05 being deemed statistically significant.

RESULTS

Our search found 8 studies including 1,166 shoulders (58.9% males), with an average age of 57.7 ± 3.2 years (21-81) and mean follow-up of 20.8 ± 16.7 months (3-77) which met our inclusion criteria. There were a total of 262 patients (22.5%; mean age 59.9 ± 1.4 years) with pre-existing anxiety and/or depression and 904 patients (77.5%; mean age 59.7 ± 1.7 years) in the control group who underwent ARCR, respectively. Meta-analysis found significantly lower American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores as well as Simple Shoulder Test scores in patients with pre-existing anxiety and/or depression when compared with a control (mean difference [MD] -7.92 [-9.45, -6.40], p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%; MD -1.56 [-2.54, -0.59], p = 0.002, I2 = 80%, respectively) In addition, meta-analysis demonstrated significantly higher Visual Analog Scale scores for pain in patients with pre-existing anxiety and/or depression when compared with a control (MD 0.70 [0.02, 1.38], p = 0.04, I2 = 71%). Furthermore, meta-analysis performed found that ARCR resulted in significant changes in the rates of reported anxiety and/or depression in patients with pre-existing anxiety and/or depression (MD 4.06[-2.47, 6.68], p < 0.0001, I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSION

Our review found that patients with pre-existing mood disorders were significantly more likely to report higher rates of postoperative pain and poorer functional outcomes following ARCR procedures, when compared with controls without mood disorders. Therefore, the presence of pre-existing anxiety and/or depression warrants consideration in the management paradigm for patients with rotator cuff tears. More optimistically, however, ARCR resulted in significant improvements in anxiety and/or depressive symptoms postoperatively.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III; systematic review of retrospective comparative studies. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Modifiable and Nonmodifiable Risk Factors Associated with the Development of Recurrent Rotator Cuff Tears

Nonoperative and operative strategies exist to manage rotator cuff pathology. Although surgical repair is successful for most patients, others may experience retear or nonhealing of the rotator cuff. Several modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors are associated with an increased retear rate. The literature shows consistency and agreement regarding many of these risk factors, most notably, patient age, tear size, and rotator cuff muscular atrophy, whereas others remain controversial. It is important that shoulder surgeons are familiar with modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors associated with retear, to better advise patients and optimize their chances of success following rotator cuff repair surgery.

Anatomical and Interpositional Bursa Preservation Showed Similar Improved Tendon to Bone Healing Compared With the Bursa Removal in a Rat Rotator Cuff Tear Model

PURPOSE

To compare the effects of anatomical preservation (AP) and interpositional preservation (IP) of subacromial bursa tissue on tendon-to-bone healing in a rat model of rotator cuff tear.

METHODS

In this study, 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats (average weight 283 g) underwent bilateral supraspinatus tendons severed by sharp incision and repaired immediately. The subacromial bursa tissues were completely removed in 16 rats, who served as the control (CON) group. The other 32 rats were randomly divided into 2 groups AP and IP between tendon and bone. Eight rats of each group were sacrificed for bilateral shoulders at 3 and 9 weeks after the operation, including 5 rats for biomechanical tests and 3 for histologic analysis.

RESULTS

No significant differences in terms of biomechanical properties were observed among the groups 3 weeks after surgery. At 9 weeks, the maximum load and stiffness of the AP (32.95 ± 6.33 N, P = .029; 12.49 ± 3.17 N/mm, P < .001; respectively) and IP (33.58 ± 8.47 N, P = .015; 11.63 ± 2.84 N/mm, P = .010, respectively) groups were significantly superior to that of the CON group (26.59 ± 4.47 N; 8.42 ± 2.33 N/mm, respectively). More organized collagen and more mature tendon insertion were observed in AP and IP groups at the interface at 9 weeks, which means better tendon-to-bone healing compared with the CON group.

CONCLUSIONS

The subacromial bursa plays a positive role in tendon-bone healing. Either anatomical preservation or interpositional preservation between tendon and bone can similarly facilitate the process of healing.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Considering the additional surgical time and surgical manipulation, preserving the subacromial bursa at the anatomical position seems to be a better way to promote rotator cuff healing.

Current Understanding and New Advances in the Surgical Management of Reparable Rotator Cuff Tears: A Scoping Review

Rotator cuff (RC) tears are among the most common musculoskeletal disorders and can be associated with pain, weakness, and shoulder dysfunction. In recent years, there have been significant advances with regard to the understanding of rotator cuff disease and its management. With technological improvements and advanced diagnostic modalities, there has been much progress as to improved understanding of the pathology. Similarly, with advanced implant designs and instrumentation, operative techniques have evolved. Furthermore, refinements in postoperative rehabilitation protocols have improved patient outcomes. In this scoping review, we aim to provide an overview of the current knowledge on the treatment of rotator cuff disorders and to highlight recent advances in its management.

Platelet-rich plasma does not improve clinical results in patients with rotator cuff disorders but reduces the retear rate. A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To assess whether the use of Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) produces a clinical benefit in patients with rotator cuff disorders, treated either conservatively or surgically.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines on three databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science) to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of PRP in patients with rotator cuff disorders, treated either conservatively or surgically. A meta-analysis was performed on articles reporting results for Constant, UCLA, VAS, SST scores and retear rate. The RoB 2.0 and the modified Coleman Methodology Score were used to assess methodological quality.

RESULTS

A total of 36 RCTs (20 surgical, 16 conservative) were included, for a total of 2,443 patients. Conservative treatment showed high heterogeneity and no clear consensus in favour of PRP. The meta-analysis of the studies with surgical treatment showed no benefit in using PRP in any of the clinical outcomes, either at the short or medium/long-term follow-up. However, the retear rate was lower with PRP augmentation (p < 0.001). The overall quality of the studies was moderate to high, with the surgical studies presenting a lower risk of bias than the conservative studies.

CONCLUSION

The use of PRP as augmentation in rotator cuff surgical repair significantly reduces the retear rate. However, no benefits were documented in terms of clinical outcomes. PRP application through injection in patients treated conservatively also failed to present any clear advantage. While there are many studies in the literature with several RCTs of moderate to high quality, the high heterogeneity of products and studies remains a significant limitation to fully understanding PRP potential in this field.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I.

Chronic post-traumatic pain: rheumatological and orthopedic aspects

Trauma causes a complex local and systemic reaction of the macroorganism, the consequences of which can be various functional, neurological and psychoemotional disorders. One of the most painful complications of injuries of the musculoskeletal system is chronic post-traumatic pain (CPTP), which occurs, depending on the severity of the damage, in 10–50% of cases. The pathogenesis of this syndrome is multifactorial and includes the development of chronic inflammation, degenerative changes (fibrosis, angiogenesis, heterotopic ossification), pathology of the muscular and nervous systems, neuroplastic changes leading to the development of central sensitization, as well as depression, anxiety and catastrophization. Risk factors for CPTP should be considered the severity of injury, comorbid diseases and conditions (in particular, obesity), stress and serious trauma-related experiences (within the framework of post-traumatic stress disorder), the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis and chronic tendopathy, genetic predisposition, deficiencies in treatment and rehabilitation in the early period after injury. To date, there is no clear system of prevention and treatment of CPTP. Considering the pathogenesis of this suffering, adequate anesthesia after injury, active anti–inflammatory therapy (including local injections of glucocorticoids), the use of hyaluronic acid, slow-acting symptomatic agents and autologous cellular preparations – platelet-riched plasma, mesenchymal stem cells, etc. are of fundamental importance. However, therapeutic and surgical methods of CPTP control require further study

Aktuelle Aspekte der Behandlung der Rotatorenmanschette

Rotatorenmanschettenrupturen gehören zu den häufigsten muskuloskeletalen Erkrankungen und können mit ausgeprägten Schmerzen und Funktionseinschränkungen einhergehen. Für ihre Entstehung ist eine Vielzahl von Faktoren relevant, u. a. die individuelle Anatomie des Akromions. Mit Hilfe der heutigen technischen Möglichkeiten wurde nun festgestellt, dass zusätzlich zu seiner lateralen Ausdehnung auch die sagittale Ausdehnung des Akromions eine Rolle zu spielen scheint. Die bildgebende Darstellung der Rotatorenmanschette (RM) hat von den technischen Fortschritten der letzten Jahrzehnte ebenfalls profitiert. Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) und MR-Arthrographie werden heute flächendeckend eingesetzt. Letztere bietet die höchste Sensitivität für die Entdeckung selbst kleiner Partialläsionen. Neue Sequenzen und Nachbearbeitungsmöglichkeiten können als hilfreiche tools für die operative Planung eingesetzt werden. Grundsätzlich richtet sich die Behandlung der RM neben der Symptomatik nach der Rupturgenese und -morphologie sowie der erwarteten Gewebequalität des Muskel-Sehnen-Kontinuums. Auch das Gesamtprofil, die Erwartungshaltung und die Rehabilitationsmöglichkeiten des Patienten sind wichtig. Die heutigen operativen Techniken werden durch spannende Entwicklungen der Industrie mitbestimmt, die in den letzten Jahren immer bessere Fadenankersysteme, aber auch Augmentationsmaterialien auf den Markt gebracht hat. Letztere zielen nicht nur auf die mechanische Verstärkung der Sehnenrekonstruktion, sondern auch auf die Optimierung der biologischen Eigenschaften des Konstrukts ab. Hinsichtlich Fixation konnte die biomechanische Forschung zeigen, dass zweireihige oder Suture-Bridge-Fixationen einreihigen oder transossären Fixationen überlegen sind. Diese Überlegenheit im Labor spiegelt sich noch nicht klar in den klinischen Ergebnissen wider, dennoch sind die meisten Chirurgen heute auf diese Technik übergegangen. Was die postoperative Nachbehandlung angeht, stellen jüngste randomisiert-kontrollierte Untersuchungen das Konzept der postoperativen Immobilisation in Abduktion in Frage. Hier scheint das letzte Wort noch nicht gesprochen zu sein.

X-Grab: An Arthroscopic Maneuver to Efficiently and Accurately Track the Post for Knot Tying

Numerous studies have analyzed techniques for producing reliable and efficient arthroscopic knots. All aspects have been explored, from the biomechanics and strength to the ability to teach and replicate at all levels of training. This technique article describes an additional maneuver (X-grab) for efficiently marking the post side of the arthroscopic knot without having to do this separately outside of the joint. This is most useful for procedures such as rotator cuff repair and capsular repair or plication in hip arthroscopy in which the location of the knot (i.e., the post) is critical. The aim of this Technical Note is to describe the X-grab maneuver, which shortens this process to a single step, limiting the see-sawing of sutures and over-instrumentation of the joint seen with other techniques.