Abstract
[Purpose] We have treating patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears by arthroscopic debridement. We report here the results of our investigation with regard to the prognosis of these patients.
[Indication and technique of arthroscopic debridement] Our indications were: 1)When massive rotator cuff tear was present.2)When pain was the chief complaint.3)When a block test resulted in an analgesic effect and the patients wished that state be continued.4)The patient showed low life activity(over 65years of age). Arthoscopic debridement consisted of trimming of the cuff stump which causes imping ement, bursectomy and synovectomy which may cause pain and rest and at night.
[Material] Twenty-two cases(24 shoulders)with full-thickness rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscpic debridement were enrolled in this study. The mean at operation was 69.1 years. The mean follow-up period was 72.7 months.
[Results] There were no patients whose JOA score showed lower values after the procedure. Rather, an average increase of 19.9 points with regard to the JOA score was observed in our patients.
[Conclusion] We conclude arthroscopic debridement is an effective therapeutic for the treatment of senile patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears.
