RESEARCH ARTICLE
Patch-Augmented Rotator Cuff Repair and Superior Capsule Reconstruction
M. Petri1, 2, *, J.A. Greenspoon1, S.G. Moulton1, P.J. Millett1, 2
Article Information
Identifiers and Pagination:
Year: 2016Volume: 10
Issue: Suppl 1: M7
First Page: 315
Last Page: 323
Publisher ID: TOORTHJ-10-315
DOI: 10.2174/1874325001610010315
Article History:
Received Date: 14/06/2015Revision Received Date: 28/06/2015
Acceptance Date: 01/02/2016
Electronic publication date: 21/07/2016
Collection year: 2016

open-access license: This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 4.0 International Public License (CC BY-NC 4.0) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode), which permits unrestricted, non-commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited.
Abstract
Background:
Massive rotator cuff tears in active patients with minimal glenohumeral arthritis remain a particular challenge for the treating surgeon.
Methods:
A selective literature search was performed and personal surgical experiences are reported.
Results:
For patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears, a reverse shoulder arthroplasty or a tendon transfer are often performed. However, both procedures have rather high complication rates and debatable long-term results, particularly in younger patients. Therefore, patch-augmented rotator cuff repair or superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) have been recently developed as arthroscopically applicable treatment options, with promising biomechanical and early clinical results.
Conclusion:
For younger patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears wishing to avoid tendon transfers or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, both patch-augmentation and SCR represent treatment options that may delay the need for more invasive surgery.