抄録
In order to clarify the factors which affect the end results of the operated therapy for full thickness tear of the rotator cuff, we have performed a clinical study of operative therapy for full thickness tear of the rotator cuff. This clinical study includes 49 cases with full thickness tears of the rotator cuff which were treated operatively.36 cases were followed up and were examined physically and radiologically and evaluated by the JOA Shoulder Score. The following results were obtained.
The 36 cases consist of 29 males and 7 females.24 were right shoulder ( 23 of which were the dominant side ) and 12 were left shoulder ( 4 of which were the dominant side ).26 cases had a history of trauma. The average age on first hospital visit was 63 years old. The average period of suffering before visiting a hospital was 1,201 days and the average follow-up period was 1,277 days. The JOA shoulder score on first visiting the hospital was 61 points and at follow-up it was 89 points on average.
The follow-up score was significantly high if the patient was younger than 62 and had a small or medium sized tear ( maximum width of the tear was less than 2 cm ) and McLaughlin's procedure was performed.
The improvement rate was significantly high if the patient was younger than 62 and if his / her radiological score on first hospital visit was more than 3 ( 3 on the average ). The improvement rate was also significantly high if his / her type of tear demonstrated by arthrography was group 1 or 2and if his / her tear size revealed by operation was regarded as small or medium.
In summary, full thickness tear of the rotator cuff should be treated o p eratively if the patient's disability of ADL persists and the end results seem to be good if the patient is younger and the tear size is smaller.
