We developed a new surgical treatment for irreparable rotator cuff tear, namely arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction. Our biomechanical study showed that the reconstructed superior capsule can restore superior shoulder stability which is decreased due to irreparable rotator cuff tear. The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes after arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction for irreparable rotator cuff tear. A consecutive series of 10 shoulders in 10 patients (6 males and 4 females, average age: 65.4 years) with irreparable rotator cuff tears was evaluated using the rating scale of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and active range of motion in shoulder joint at an average of 15.3 months (range, 12 to 18 months) after arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction with fascia latae. Postoperative integrity of reconstructed shoulder capsule was determined by magnetic resonance imaging. In most patients, active range of motion and JOA score were completely restored. No retear of the reconstructed superior capsule was found in postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction is effective option for irreparable rotator cuff tear.
