Treatment of rotator cuff tears with arthroscopic transosseous technique: results of the first twenty cases

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of our first 20 cases of rotator cuff tear treated with arthroscopic transosseous technique METHODS: Patients with supraspinatus and infraspinatus extended supraspinatus tears were included. Local etchical board acceptance was obtained. Surgical technique was trained with model and cadaver. Surgical technique was done using transosseous implant Sharc-FT (NCS Lab, Carpi, Italy) with arthroscopy. Acromyoplasty in all patients, subscapularis repair in 2 patients, biceps tenotomy in 4 patients, biceps tenodesis in 6 patients and acromyoclavicular coplanning in 6 patients were performed. During postoperative period, the standart rehabilitation protocol was performed. Prospectively collective datas were evaluated retrospectively. Outcomes were measured with surgery time, VAS score and Constant score at the preoperative period and the last follow-up. Rerupture was evaluated with magnetic resonance at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age was 52,2 (39-64) and follow-up was 16,4 month (14-20). Fifthteen of patients were female. The mean surgery time was 72 min (38-124). VAS score was 6.6±0.4 preoperatively and 1.6±0.5 at the last follow up. Constant score was 58.4±3.2 preoperatively and 84.4±3.8 at the last follow up. Statistically significant differences were determined. Two reruptures (%10) were determined. One patient with superficial infection was treated using antibioteraphy. CONCLUSIONS: The implant that we used in this study allows transosseous repair of rotator cuff with cortical fixation. Pull out problem that is seen with anchors is elaminated with this technique. We determined our results were satisfactory at the early period. But we think that bone-tendon healing need to be evaluated with long follow-up studies.