We report of 24 patients who underwent surgery to repair rotator cuff tears from 1997 to 1999. All cases were followed-up for 4 months to 2 years and 6 months (average; 12.3 months). They consisted of 13 males and 11 females whose ages ranged from 47 to 82 years with an average of 63.1 years. The tear size varied from small to massive (small; 2, medium; 6, large; 6 and massive; 5 cases). The small, medium, and large cases were repaired using McLaughlin's technique. The massive case was repaired using McLaughlin's technique with subscapularis transfer or teres minor transfer. One case underwent reparation of the deltoid and rotator cuff suture. The clinical results were evaluated by the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. The JOA score of all the patients improved from 56.5±5.6 to 93.5±9.6 points. The cases which could be repaired by McLaughlin's technique had good results regardless of the tear size and age.
The result of the massive tear was inferior to the other cases. Showed slow ROM improvement without contracture, suggesting those with muscle weakness or atrophy may take time to recorer.
