Abstract
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair without anchor has been done since April 2005. We reported on the clinical results of this operative method. We reviewed the 28 shoulders which were operated on from April 1st 2005 to July 31st 2007. The average age was 62.4 years old at operation (18 males, ten females). The operation was performed as follow: several sutures went through the footprint and the rotator cuff by perforated K-wire from the distal of the greater tubercle, and torn rotator cuff was put on the footprint by mattress sutures and bridging sutures. We used Kuroda's knot as a suture method and tied them at the distal of the greater tubercle. The average postoperative periods were 12.8 months. We reviewed the preoperative periods, the torn widths, the JOA scores, and the postoperative MRIs. The average preoperative period was 6.2 months and the average torn width was 1.4 cm. The average of the total score of JOA was improved significantly from 72.8 preoperative to 94.0 postoperative. There were 2 cases with broad high intensity on the attachment of the rotator cuff in postoperative MRIs. Only 1 case had a lower functional score than at preoperation. Without anchors, we got a good result and this method seemed to be useful. However, there were some cases that have poor ROM of external rotation. We have to review the direction of repair of torn rotator cuff, the physical therapy and so on.
