Superior Capsular Reconstruction With the Long Head of the Biceps Autograft Prevents Infraspinatus Retear in Massive Posterosuperior Retracted Rotator Cuff Tears

Abstract

Background:

Materials and patches with increased biomechanical and biological properties and superior capsular reconstruction may change the natural history of massive rotator cuff tears (RCTs).

Purpose:

To compare structural and clinical outcomes among 3 surgical techniques for the treatment of massive posterosuperior RCTs: double-row (DR) technique, transosseous-equivalent (TOE) technique with absorbable patch reinforcement, and superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) with the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) autograft.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence 3.

Methods:

We retrospectively analyzed the 3 techniques in patients who underwent repair of massive posterosuperior RCTs between January 2007 and March 2017. All patients completed preoperative and 24-month postoperative evaluations: range of motion, subjective shoulder value, Simple Shoulder Test, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, visual analog scale for pain, and Constant score. Tendon integrity was assessed with ultrasound 1 year postoperatively.

Results:

A total of 82 patients completed the final evaluation (28 patients, DR; 30 patients, TOE + patch; 24 patients, SCR with LHBT). Groups were statistically comparable preoperatively, except for active forward elevation and tendon retraction, which were significantly worse in the SCR group (P = .008 and P = .001, respectively). After 24 months, the mean ± SD scores for the respective groups were as follows: 76 ± 10, 72 ± 15, and 77 ± 10 for the Constant score (P = .35); 84 ± 10, 84 ± 15, and 80 ± 15 for the ASES (P = .61); 9 ± 2, 9 ± 3, and 8 ± 3 for the Simple Shoulder Test (P = .23); 82 ± 15, 80 ± 18, and 75 ± 18 for the subjective shoulder value (P = .29); and 1.4 ± 1.7, 1.8 ± 2, and 1.4 ± 1.4 for the visual analog scale (P = .65). The strength of the operated shoulder was 4 ± 3 kg, 4.7 ± 3 kg, and 6.4 ± 1.6 kg for the DR, TOE + patch, and SCR groups, respectively (P = .006). At 12 months postoperatively, 60.7% (17 of 28) of the DR group, 56.7% (17 of 30) of the TOE + patch group, and 91.7% (22 of 24) of the SCR group remained healed on ultrasound. The infraspinatus tendon remained healed in 75% of the DR group, 76.5% of the TOE + patch group, and 100% of the SCR with the LHBT group (P = .006).

Conclusion:

In cases of massive posterosuperior RCTs, SCR with the LHBT should be considered a reliable, cost-effective treatment option that protects infraspinatus integrity.