Skip to main content
Top
Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology 8/2014

01-12-2014 | Original Article

Arthroscopic repair of large and massive rotator cuff tears using the biceps-incorporating technique: mid-term clinical and anatomical results

Authors: Jong-Hun Ji, Mohamed Shafi, Jae-Jung Jeong, Sang-Eun Park

Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology | Issue 8/2014

Login to get access

Abstract

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomical and clinical outcomes of a biceps-incorporating rotator cuff repair without detaching the biceps origin from the glenoid in a large or massive rotator cuff tear, in which the biceps tendon could be incorporated into the cuff defect and help to provide tendon healing and prevent upward migration of the humeral head.

Materials and methods

Thirty-five consecutive patients with a mean age of 62 years (41–81 years) had primary arthroscopic repair of their large or massive rotator cuff in which biceps tendon incorporated into the cuff defect without detaching the biceps tendon from the glenoid was performed. Functional outcome was determined by the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain during motions, simple shoulder test (SST), the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (ASES) (mean follow-up, 24 months). The continuity of rotator cuff mechanism was evaluated using the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among all the patients after 2 years.

Results

At the final follow-up, mean VAS scores increased significantly from 7.1 to 2.0 points, ASES scores from 35 to 83, UCLA scores from 14 to 30, and SST scores from 4 to 9, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, the range of motion was significantly increased except the external rotation from preoperative 27° to postoperative 33° (p = 0.183). MRI evaluation showed that 22 of 35 patients (63 %) had heeled tendons and 7 patients (20 %) had partial re-tear. Of 35 patients, 6 (17 %) had a complete re-tear. Only 3 of these 6 patients were not satisfied with the result.

Conclusions

Using this simple biceps-incorporating rotator cuff repair technique, we achieved good clinical and moderate anatomical results, and prevent superior migration of the humeral head in a large or massive rotator cuff tear.

Level of evidence

Level IV retrospective review.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Galatz LM, Ball CM, Teefey SA, Middleton WD, Yamaguchi K (2004) The outcome and repair integrity of completely arthroscopically repaired large and massive rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 86-A:219–224PubMed Galatz LM, Ball CM, Teefey SA, Middleton WD, Yamaguchi K (2004) The outcome and repair integrity of completely arthroscopically repaired large and massive rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 86-A:219–224PubMed
2.
go back to reference Klepps S, Bishop J, Lin J, Cahlon O, Strauss A, Hayes P, Flatow EL (2004) Prospective evaluation of the effect of rotator cuff integrity on the outcome of open rotator cuff repairs. Am J Sports Med 32:1716–1722PubMedCrossRef Klepps S, Bishop J, Lin J, Cahlon O, Strauss A, Hayes P, Flatow EL (2004) Prospective evaluation of the effect of rotator cuff integrity on the outcome of open rotator cuff repairs. Am J Sports Med 32:1716–1722PubMedCrossRef
3.
go back to reference Bishop J, Klepps S, Lo IK, Bird J, Gladstone JN, Flatow EL (2006) Cuff integrity after arthroscopic versus open rotator cuff repair: a prospective study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 15(3):290–299PubMedCrossRef Bishop J, Klepps S, Lo IK, Bird J, Gladstone JN, Flatow EL (2006) Cuff integrity after arthroscopic versus open rotator cuff repair: a prospective study. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 15(3):290–299PubMedCrossRef
4.
go back to reference Burkhart SS (1997) Partial repair of massive rotator cuff tears: the evolution of a concept. Orthop Clin North Am 28(1):125–132PubMedCrossRef Burkhart SS (1997) Partial repair of massive rotator cuff tears: the evolution of a concept. Orthop Clin North Am 28(1):125–132PubMedCrossRef
5.
go back to reference Duralde XA, Bair B (2005) Massive rotator cuff tears: the result of partial rotator cuff repair. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 14(2):121–127PubMedCrossRef Duralde XA, Bair B (2005) Massive rotator cuff tears: the result of partial rotator cuff repair. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 14(2):121–127PubMedCrossRef
6.
go back to reference Elhassan B, Endres NK, Higgins LD, Warner JJ (2008) Massive irreparable tendon tears of the rotator cuff: salvage options. Instr Course Lect 57:153–166PubMed Elhassan B, Endres NK, Higgins LD, Warner JJ (2008) Massive irreparable tendon tears of the rotator cuff: salvage options. Instr Course Lect 57:153–166PubMed
7.
go back to reference Burkhart SS, Nottage WM, Ogilvie-Harris DJ, Kohn HS, Pachelli A (1994) Partial repair of irreparable rotator cuff tears. Arthroscopy 10–4:363–370CrossRef Burkhart SS, Nottage WM, Ogilvie-Harris DJ, Kohn HS, Pachelli A (1994) Partial repair of irreparable rotator cuff tears. Arthroscopy 10–4:363–370CrossRef
8.
go back to reference Franceschi F, Longo UG, Ruzzini L, Papalia R, Rizzello G, Denaro V (2007) To detach the long head of the biceps tendon after tenodesis or not: outcome analysis at the 4-year follow-up of two different techniques. Int Orthop 31:537–545PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Franceschi F, Longo UG, Ruzzini L, Papalia R, Rizzello G, Denaro V (2007) To detach the long head of the biceps tendon after tenodesis or not: outcome analysis at the 4-year follow-up of two different techniques. Int Orthop 31:537–545PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
9.
go back to reference George MS (2008) Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis incorporated into rotator cuff repair using suture anchors. Orthopedics 31:552–555PubMedCrossRef George MS (2008) Arthroscopic biceps tenodesis incorporated into rotator cuff repair using suture anchors. Orthopedics 31:552–555PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference DeOrio JK, Cofield RH (1984) Results of a second attempt at surgical repair of a failed initial rotator-cuff repair. J Bone Joint Surg Am 66:563–567PubMed DeOrio JK, Cofield RH (1984) Results of a second attempt at surgical repair of a failed initial rotator-cuff repair. J Bone Joint Surg Am 66:563–567PubMed
11.
go back to reference Ellman H, Kay SP (1991) Arthroscopic subacromial decompression for chronic impingement. Two- to five-year results. J Bone Joint Surg Br 73:395–398PubMed Ellman H, Kay SP (1991) Arthroscopic subacromial decompression for chronic impingement. Two- to five-year results. J Bone Joint Surg Br 73:395–398PubMed
12.
go back to reference Boileau P, Baque F, Valerio L, Ahrens P, Chuinard C, Trojani C (2007) Isolated arthroscopic biceps tenotomy or tenodesis improves symptoms in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 89:747–757PubMedCrossRef Boileau P, Baque F, Valerio L, Ahrens P, Chuinard C, Trojani C (2007) Isolated arthroscopic biceps tenotomy or tenodesis improves symptoms in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. J Bone Joint Surg Am 89:747–757PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Derwin KA, Baker AR, Spragg RK, Leigh DR, Iannotti JP (2006) Commercial extracellular matrix scaffolds for rotator cuff tendon repair. Biomechanical, biochemical, and cellular properties. J Bone Joint Surg Am 88:2665–2672PubMedCrossRef Derwin KA, Baker AR, Spragg RK, Leigh DR, Iannotti JP (2006) Commercial extracellular matrix scaffolds for rotator cuff tendon repair. Biomechanical, biochemical, and cellular properties. J Bone Joint Surg Am 88:2665–2672PubMedCrossRef
14.
go back to reference Warner JJ, IMt Parsons (2001) Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer: a comparative analysis of primary and salvage reconstruction of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 10(6):514–521PubMedCrossRef Warner JJ, IMt Parsons (2001) Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer: a comparative analysis of primary and salvage reconstruction of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 10(6):514–521PubMedCrossRef
15.
go back to reference Cuff D, Pupello D, Virani N, Levy J, Frankle M (2008) Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of rotator cuff deficiency. J Bone Joint Surg Am 90–6:1244–1251CrossRef Cuff D, Pupello D, Virani N, Levy J, Frankle M (2008) Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for the treatment of rotator cuff deficiency. J Bone Joint Surg Am 90–6:1244–1251CrossRef
16.
go back to reference Frankle M, Levy JC, Pupello D, Siegal S, Saleem A, Mighell M, Vasey M (2006) The reverse shoulder prosthesis for glenohumeral arthritis associated with severe rotator cuff deficiency. A minimum two-year follow-up study of sixty patients surgical technique. J Bone Joint Surg Am 88:178–190PubMed Frankle M, Levy JC, Pupello D, Siegal S, Saleem A, Mighell M, Vasey M (2006) The reverse shoulder prosthesis for glenohumeral arthritis associated with severe rotator cuff deficiency. A minimum two-year follow-up study of sixty patients surgical technique. J Bone Joint Surg Am 88:178–190PubMed
17.
go back to reference Kasten P, Loew M (2007) How to treat massive rotator cuff tears. Orthopade 36–9:855–861CrossRef Kasten P, Loew M (2007) How to treat massive rotator cuff tears. Orthopade 36–9:855–861CrossRef
18.
go back to reference Cho NS, Yi JW, Rhee YG (2009) Arthroscopic biceps augmentation for avoiding undue tension in repair of massive rotator cuff tears. Arthroscopy 25(2):183–191PubMedCrossRef Cho NS, Yi JW, Rhee YG (2009) Arthroscopic biceps augmentation for avoiding undue tension in repair of massive rotator cuff tears. Arthroscopy 25(2):183–191PubMedCrossRef
19.
go back to reference Sano H, Mineta M, Kita A, Itoi E (2010) Tendon patch grafting using the long head of the biceps for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears. J Orthop Sci 15:310–316PubMedCrossRef Sano H, Mineta M, Kita A, Itoi E (2010) Tendon patch grafting using the long head of the biceps for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears. J Orthop Sci 15:310–316PubMedCrossRef
20.
go back to reference Wolfgang GL (1974) Surgical repair of tears of the rotator cuff of the shoulder. Factors influencing the result. J Bone Joint Surg Am 56:14–26PubMed Wolfgang GL (1974) Surgical repair of tears of the rotator cuff of the shoulder. Factors influencing the result. J Bone Joint Surg Am 56:14–26PubMed
21.
go back to reference Rathbun JB, Macnab I (1970) The microvascular pattern of the rotator cuff. J Bone Joint Surg Br 52(3):540–553PubMed Rathbun JB, Macnab I (1970) The microvascular pattern of the rotator cuff. J Bone Joint Surg Br 52(3):540–553PubMed
22.
go back to reference Kumar VP, Satku K, Balasubramaniam P (1989) The role of the long head of biceps brachii in the stabilization of the head of the humerus. Clin Orthop Relat Res 244:172–175PubMed Kumar VP, Satku K, Balasubramaniam P (1989) The role of the long head of biceps brachii in the stabilization of the head of the humerus. Clin Orthop Relat Res 244:172–175PubMed
23.
go back to reference Checchia SL, Doneux PS, Miyazaki AN, Silva LA, Fregoneze M, Ossada A, Tsutida CY, Masiole C (2005) Biceps tenodesis associated with arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 14(2):138–144PubMedCrossRef Checchia SL, Doneux PS, Miyazaki AN, Silva LA, Fregoneze M, Ossada A, Tsutida CY, Masiole C (2005) Biceps tenodesis associated with arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tears. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 14(2):138–144PubMedCrossRef
24.
go back to reference Warner JJ, McMahon PJ (1995) The role of the long head of the biceps brachii in superior stability of the glenohumeral joint. J Bone Joint Surg Am 77:366–372PubMed Warner JJ, McMahon PJ (1995) The role of the long head of the biceps brachii in superior stability of the glenohumeral joint. J Bone Joint Surg Am 77:366–372PubMed
25.
go back to reference Castagna A, Conti M, Markopoulos N, Borroni M, De Flaviis L, Giardella A et al (2008) Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tear with a modified Mason-Allen stitch: mid-term clinical and ultrasound outcomes. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 16:497–503PubMedCrossRef Castagna A, Conti M, Markopoulos N, Borroni M, De Flaviis L, Giardella A et al (2008) Arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff tear with a modified Mason-Allen stitch: mid-term clinical and ultrasound outcomes. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 16:497–503PubMedCrossRef
26.
go back to reference Jost B, Pfirrmann CW, Gerber C, Switzerland Z (2000) Clinical outcome after structural failure of rotator cuff repairs. J Bone Joint Surg (Am) 82:304–314CrossRef Jost B, Pfirrmann CW, Gerber C, Switzerland Z (2000) Clinical outcome after structural failure of rotator cuff repairs. J Bone Joint Surg (Am) 82:304–314CrossRef
27.
go back to reference Hanusch BC, Goodchild L, Finn P, Rangan A (2009) Large and massive tears of the rotator cuff: functional outcome and integrity of the repair after a mini-open procedure. J Bone Joint Surg Br 91:201–205PubMedCrossRef Hanusch BC, Goodchild L, Finn P, Rangan A (2009) Large and massive tears of the rotator cuff: functional outcome and integrity of the repair after a mini-open procedure. J Bone Joint Surg Br 91:201–205PubMedCrossRef
28.
go back to reference Gerber C, Fuchs B, Hodler J (2000) The results of repair of massive tears of the rotator cuff. J Bone Joint Surg Am 82(1):16–25PubMed Gerber C, Fuchs B, Hodler J (2000) The results of repair of massive tears of the rotator cuff. J Bone Joint Surg Am 82(1):16–25PubMed
29.
go back to reference Burks RT, Crim J, Brown N, Fink B, Greis PE (2009) A prospective randomized clinical trial comparing arthroscopic single- and double-row rotator cuff repair: magnetic resonance imaging and early clinical evaluation. Am J Sports Med 37(4):674–682PubMedCrossRef Burks RT, Crim J, Brown N, Fink B, Greis PE (2009) A prospective randomized clinical trial comparing arthroscopic single- and double-row rotator cuff repair: magnetic resonance imaging and early clinical evaluation. Am J Sports Med 37(4):674–682PubMedCrossRef
30.
go back to reference Fuchs B, Weishaupt D, Zanetti M, Hodler J, Gerber C (1999) Fatty degeneration of the muscles of the rotator cuff: assessment by computed tomography versus magnetic resonance imaging. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 8:599–605PubMedCrossRef Fuchs B, Weishaupt D, Zanetti M, Hodler J, Gerber C (1999) Fatty degeneration of the muscles of the rotator cuff: assessment by computed tomography versus magnetic resonance imaging. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 8:599–605PubMedCrossRef
31.
go back to reference Prickett WD, Teefey SA, Galatz LM, Calfee RP, Middleton WD, Yamaguchi K (2003) Accuracy of ultrasound imaging of the rotator cuff in shoulders that are painful postoperatively. J Bone Joint Surg Am 85-A(6):1084–1089PubMed Prickett WD, Teefey SA, Galatz LM, Calfee RP, Middleton WD, Yamaguchi K (2003) Accuracy of ultrasound imaging of the rotator cuff in shoulders that are painful postoperatively. J Bone Joint Surg Am 85-A(6):1084–1089PubMed
Metadata
Title
Arthroscopic repair of large and massive rotator cuff tears using the biceps-incorporating technique: mid-term clinical and anatomical results
Authors
Jong-Hun Ji
Mohamed Shafi
Jae-Jung Jeong
Sang-Eun Park
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
Springer Paris
Published in
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology / Issue 8/2014
Print ISSN: 1633-8065
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1068
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-013-1323-x

Other articles of this Issue 8/2014

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology 8/2014 Go to the issue