The Transacromial Approach for Massive Rupture of the Rotator Cuff

Abstract

We have been using the transacromial approach for treatment of massive rupture of the rotator cuff since October 1988. This approach was performed on 7 patients between October 1988 and July 1991 with follow-up studies made on all patients after a mean period of 1.9 years postoperatively.
We evaluated the post-operative result using the JOA shoulder scoring system. The average JOA shoulder score improved 90 points after operation from the average preoperative score of 53 points.
The transacromial approach results in minimal damage to the deltoid muscle and provides full exposure of lesions in the subacromial region. We recommend this approach for surgical repair of massive rotator cuff rupture.