Which is the best repair of articular-sided rotator cuff tears: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Tear conversion followed by repair and trans-tendon techniques have been widely used for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. Both of them showed favorable results with regard to the management of articular-sided partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) of more than 50 % thickness. However, controversy continues with the best management. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes between the two techniques. METHODS: The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were searched for relevant studies published before October 1, 2014. Studies that clearly reported a comparison between the two procedures were selected. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scale (ASES) and the re-tear rate were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the special meta-analysis software called “Comprehensive Meta Analysis”. RESULTS: Final meta-analysis after the full-text review included four studies about tear conversion followed by repair and seven studies about trans-tendon technique. The trans-tendon technique showed no significant difference with the tear conversion followed by repair technique with regard to the ASES scale (P = 0.69). But the re-tear rate (P < 0.05) was markedly lower in the trans-tendon technique group than the tear conversion and repair technique group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the meta-analysis suggests that the trans-tendon technique is better than the tear conversion followed by repair technique with regard to the management of articular-sided PTRCTs of more than 50 % thickness in the re-tear rate aspect. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13018-015-0224-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.