Arthroscopic operation, e. g, . debridement and arthroscopic subacromial decompression (abbreviated to ASD), was performed in both cases of rotator cuff tear; where open rotator cuff suture was not indicated
The subjects comprised 12 paitents (14 shoulders) with rotator cuff tear, 10 (12 shoulders) with a complete tear and 2 (2 shoulders) with a joint surface tear; they were all male and ranged in age from 18 to 81 years with a mean of 61.0 yeaas.
The follow-up period ranged from 105 to 18 months with an average being 6.3 months. Pre-and post-operative results were evaluated according to the “Shoulder evaluation of J. O. A.” By this scoring system, the resuls increased in score of 15.2 on average.
From these results it seems inferable that arthroscopic operation, being less invasive, is indecated in senile individuals in whom rotator cuff suture has been considered contraindicated and, moreover, is absolutely indicated even in those patients who are unable to elevate the affected shoulder due to severe pain if the ability to elevate the shoulder is restored after injection of procaine into the affected area. Arthroscopic operation maythus be concluded to have great advanatages of being less invasive and permitting early initiation of rehabilitation program postoperatively and early discharge from the hospital.
