抄録
Although it has been reported that a large percentage of persons with paraplegia suffer from a tear of the rotator cuff, there are few reports addressing the surgical treatment, and no report on the evaluation of repaired tendon using MR imaging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results and MRI findings of repaired tendon in the weight bearing shoulder. 7 male patients (8 shoulders) with rotator cuff tears underwent rotator cuff repair. Their ages averaged 53 years old and ranged from 45 to 62 years old. There were 5 middle, 1 large and 2 massive tears. Tendon-to-bone repair was accomplished in 7 shoulders. Synovectomy, capsular shift and rotator cuff repair was done in one shoulder with a massive tear and severe synovitis. Postoperatively manual wheelchair use was prohibited until 8-12 weeks after the procedure, and transfers were until 10-14 weeks. The follow-up period averaged 36 months (range, 8-74 months). The patients were evaluated with JOA score and MRI findings of the repaired tendon. The preoperative JOA score averaged 53 points, ranging from 21 to 68. The postoperative JOA score improved 94 points (range, 87-100). The postoperative range-of-motion and strength improved in all shoulders. All patients could transfer independently. There were no MRI findings of re-rupture in all shoulders except 1 shoulder with a massive tear. This study showed that surgical repairs in a weight bearing shoulder were effective methods that provided improvement of shoulder function at intermediate follow-up evaluation.
