Tendonopathy Does Not Predict Rotator Cuff Healing

OBJECTIVES: Numerous studies have identified risk factors which may decrease the chance of successful rotator cuff healing after surgery. Surgeons may also rely on intraoperative tendon quality to predict healing. There is no data that correlates how the gross tendon morphology and the degree of tendonopathy may impact patient outcome or post-operative tendon healing. The purposes of this study were to 1) compare the gross appearance of the supraspinatus tendon during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with its histological degree of tendonopathy using the Bonar scoring system, and 2) to determine if either histological appearance or gross appearance correlated with Goutallier grade of fatty infiltration, or post-operative repair integrity. Our hypothesis was that there would be a statistical correlation between gross appearance and histological Bonar score, and that gross appearance would correlate with Goutallier grade and rate of healing. METHODS: Demographic data from 105 patients undergoing (supraspinatus) rotator cuff repair were obtained. During surgery, the supraspinatus tendon was rated on thickness, fraying, and stiffness. Tendon tissue was also recovered for histological analysis based on the Bonar scoring system. Post-operative ASES and SST scores, as well as ultrasound assessment of healing, were obtained. Statistical analysis based on demographic data was carried out. Correlation between gross appearance of the supraspinatus tendon and rotator cuff histology (Bonar score) was determined. Correlation of gross appearance with Goutallier grade of fatty infiltration, and with post-operative repair integrity was also determined. RESULTS: Gross appearance of torn rotator cuff tendon tissue did not correlate with histological appearance. Neither hisological score nor gross appearance correlated with demographic data, Goutallier grade, or post-operative repair status. Goutallier grade and vascularity were weakly correlated (rho=0.22, p=0.03) CONCLUSION: The degree of tendonopathy (Bonar Score) did not correlate with morphological appearance of the rotator cuff tendon, and neither of these parameters correlated with rotator cuff healing or patient outcome. Unlike fatty infiltration, or Goutallier scores, which evaluate the degree of muscle disease, this study suggests that the degree of tendonopathy may not be predictive of suboptimal outcomes. In light of these results, abnormal gross tendon appearance should not impact repair effort or technique.