Application of internal row anchor suture bridge technique combined with traditional suture bridge technique in shoulder arthroscopy for severe rotator cuff tears

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the repair effect of internal row anchor suture bridge technique combined with traditional suture bridge technique in the shoulder arthroscopic repair of severe rotator cuff tears. Methods Sixty-three patients with severe rotator cuff tears who underwent shoulder arthroscopic repair were recruited. Among them, 30 cases receiving internal row anchor suture bridge technique combined with traditional suture bridge technique were assigned into the combination group, and the other 33 cases undergoing traditional suture bridge technology were allocated into the traditional group. The pain [Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)], the range of motion of shoulder joint (flexion, internal rotation, abduction and external rotation), shoulder joint function before and after surgery [Constant-Murley Shoulder Function Score, American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES)], incidence of re-tear, complication rate and clinical prognosis (Neer score) were compared between two groups. Results The VAS score at postoperative 1 month in the combination group was significantly lower than that in the traditional group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the active range of internal rotation of shoulder joint at postoperative 1 and 6 months between two groups (both P > 0.05), whereas the range of forward flexion, abduction and external rotation in the combination group was significantly larger than that in the traditional group (all P < 0.05). At postoperative 1 and 6 months, Constant-Murley and ASES scores were significantly higher, whereas the Sugaya classification was better in the combination group than those in the traditional group (all P < 0.05). Unhealed wound, persistent swelling, infection and other complications were not observed in the combination group. Neer score at postoperative 1 year indicated that the excellent prognosis rate in the combination group was significantly higher compared with that in the traditional group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Compared with traditional suture bridge technique alone, internal row anchor suture bridge technique combined with traditional suture bridge technique achieve better repair effect during the shoulder arthroscopic repair of severe rotator cuff tears, which can significantly improve the mobility of shoulder joint and enhance the function of shoulder joint.

Keywords

• |rotator cuff tear|shoulder arthroscopy|internal row anchor compression technique|internal row anchor suture bridge technique|shoulder joint mobility|pain