2005 年 29 巻 2 号 p. 359-363
To present a retrospective study on the outcome of treatment of the massive, irreparable tears of the rotator cuff by arthroscopic cuff debridement limited subacromial decompression in which the coracoacromial ligament was left intact in order to preserve the integrity of the coracoacromial arch and creating a smooth, congruent acromiohumeral articulation by removal of exostoses of the greater tuberosity which we call GTplasty. Twelve shoulders with pain that had massive, irreparable tears of the rotator cuff and greater tuberosity impingement were managed by these arthroscopic treatments. The average age of the patients was 69.3 years old. The average duration of follow-up was 29 months. The JOA score was improved from an average score of 60.5 points preoperatively to 84.6 points postoperatively (P=0.003). The evaluation of pain by visual analog scale reduced from an average score of 7.2 points preoperatively to 1.1 points postoperatively (P<0.001). Whereas, the patients had some persistent weakness, but satisfactory relief of pain and improved, range of motion were achieved. The arthroscopic cuffdebridement, limited subacromial decompressionand GTplasty could provide good pain relief and improved upper extremity function as the treatment of a patient with massive, irreparable tears of the rotator cuff.