The Clinical Results of a Fascia Lata Patch Graft for Massive Rotator Cuff Tears.

- The Correlation between the Condition of the Patch and Shoulder Function -

Abstract

[Purpose] We evaluated the grafted patches and clarified the clinical results of postoperative massive rotator cuff tears. The risk factors of the disappearance of the grafted patches were also determined.
[Materials and methods] Fifteen shoulders had fascia lata patch graft for massive rotator cuff tears. We retrospectively investigated the JOA scores, ROM (flexion, abduction and external rotation) and muscle strength. MRI was done to evaluate the condition of the grafted patches. The risk factors were investigated preoperatively as well as AHI (acromiohumeral index), width of the supraspinatus muscle belly and also the size of the defects.
[Results] The group where the patch remained (group R) consisted of 10 shoulders, while the group where it had disappeared (group D) consisted of 5 shoulders. There were no significant differences in age and postoperative terms. The JOA scores, ROM and muscle strength at 90& abduction improved significantly only in group R (P<0.05).
[Conclusion] We considered that this method for a massive rotator cuff tear is effective to reconstruct the shoulder function, while the grafted patch remains.