Abstract:

Objective

To investigate the clinical effect of “Chinese way” single row repair technique under arthroscopy in the treatment of massive rotator cuff injury.

Methods

The clinical data of 40 patients with massive rotator cuff injury treated by Chinese way single-row repair in Yongzhou Central Hospital from February 2021 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Inclusion criteria: the patients were consistent with a massive rotator cuff injury, no significant rupture of the biceps long head tendon (LHBT), and underwent preoperative MRI examination of shoulder joint.Exclusion criteria: combined with glenoid fracture; severe osteoarthritis; mental illness and being unable to tolerate surgery.During the operation, the LHBT was fixed by a single row of string anchors, and the remaining rotator cuff injury was repaired by bridging the anchor stitches.Paired t-tests were conducted for statistical analysis on the shoulder joint flexion and abduction, external rotation at the side of the body, pain visual analogue scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES), and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder function score of the patients at preoperative and 6-month postoperative follow-up.Preoperative general conditions, postoperative complications and imaging data of patients were recorded.

Results

A total of 40 patients were included, including 17 males and 23 females, ranging in age from 40 to 81 years, with an average age of (64±9) years.All the patients were successfully operated.There were no complications such as anchor loosening, incision infection and Popeye sign.All the patients were followed up for eight to 14 months, with an average of (10.5±1.8) months.At six months follow-up, the movements of shoulder joint flexion (t=30.32) and lateral lateral rotation (t=11.72)were better than those before surgery (P<0.05).At six months follow-up, VAS score was significantly lower than before surgery (t=33.26, P<0.05), while ASES (t=33.48) and UCLA scores (t=48.76) were significantly higher than before surgery (P<0.05).Postoperative X-ray examination indicated that there was no significant progress in shoulder joint degeneration.At the last postoperative follow-up, shoulder joint MRI indicated that seven cases had rotator cuff retear, with an incidence of 17.5% (7/40).

Conclusions

“Chinese way” singlerow repair technique under arthroscopy has a significant effect on the treatment of massive rotator cuff injury.The technique can reduce the pain symptoms and improve the functional activities of the shoulder joint.The operation is simple and the clinical effect is satisfactory.

Key words: Arthroscope, Rotator cuff injuries, Treatment