The purpose of this study was to compare the timing and rate of postoperative re-tear of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with double-row repair (DR group) and suture bridge repair (SB group).
Seventy-two patients who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the repair technique employed. There were 38 shoulders in the DR group (average age 66.7 years) and 34 shoulders in the SB group (average age 67.3 years). Clinical outcomes were evaluated by the JOA score. MRI was carried out just before starting active range of motion exercise, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Re-tear patterns were evaluated as well as repair integrity on MRI.
The average size of the tear was 18.5 mm in the DR group and 22.1 mm in the SB group. The postoperative JOA score was significantly improved in both groups, but no significant differences were found between the two groups. At the latest follow-up, re-tear was noted in 8 shoulders (21.1%) in the DR group and 7 (20.6%) in the SB group, which was not significantly different. Early re-tear before the initiation of active exercise was found in only 2 shoulders in the DR group. With regard to the re-tear pattern, medial failure was more common in the SB group but the difference was not significant.
The SB technique did not improve the structural integrity of the repaired tendon. In this study, a large percentage of postoperative re-tears occurred after active exercise. Gentle protective rehabilitation would be needed to improve healing of the repaired cuff.
