Arthroscopic Superior Capsular Reconstruction With Acellular Porcine Dermal Xenograft for the Treatment of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes and the complications related to arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) with acellular porcine dermal xenograft for the treatment of irreparable massive rotator cuff tears. METHODS: A prospective observational study of patients treated with arthroscopic SCR for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears in the period from 2016 to 2017 was performed. Range of motion and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) scores were assessed preoperatively, at 6 months postoperatively, and at 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 20 shoulders in 19 patients, with an average age of 60 years, were included in the study. Twelve patients met the criterion for the minimal clinically important difference in the SPADI score. The mean SPADI score showed significant improvement from 51.3% to 10.4% at 1-year follow-up. Active abduction improved from 65.4° to 149.3° and active forward flexion improved from 68.6° to 151.4° at 1-year follow-up. The procedure had a 30% complication rate, including a 15% rate of immunologic rejection of the xenograft. Five patients underwent revision procedures, including arthroscopic debridement and removal of xenograft residuals, implantation of a balloon spacer, and revision SCR with a fascia lata autograft. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic SCR with an acellular porcine dermal xenograft led to a successful outcome in 60% of cases. The procedure showed a quite high complication rate; the most severe cases were related to acute immunologic rejection of the xenograft. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.