抄録
The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical results after long head of biceps (LHB) graft for irreparable rotator cuff tears. When it was impossible to repair the torn rotator cuff after extensive release and mobilization, the LHB tendon graft was performed. After tenodesis of LHB, tenotomized LHB tendon was interposed into the defect for bridging between the rotator cuff and bone. We investigated 15 consecutive patients (mean age: 68.9 years old) who were followed up for more than 1 year postoperatively. All patients were evaluated preoperatively and post operatively using Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system (JOA score). In addition, integrities of repaired rotator cuff were evaluated using MRIs. The average time from surgery to the final follow-up was 18 months (range, 12 to 36 months). The mean preoperative JOA score, which was 56.7 points (range, 35 to 75), improved to 88.4 points (range, 74 to 100) at the last follow-up. According to the post operative repair integrity analyzed with use of MRIs, 3 cases presented re-tear of tendon. The long head of biceps tendon graft for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears offered a possible improvement in the clinical outcomes.
