• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.84-89
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• 2016

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the results of arthroscopic bridging repair using a human dermis allograft in the treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. Methods: From November 2009 to April 2011, 12 patients underwent arthroscopic bridging repair using a human dermis allograft in the treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. Patients were followed for an average of 33.9 months. Clinical outcome was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively using the mean University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score and the Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed postoperatively at an average of 6.5 months. Results: At a mean follow-up of 33.9 months (range, 25 to 42 months), 11 out of 12 patients were satisfied with their procedure. Patients showed significant improvement in their mean modified UCLA score from 15.9 preoperatively to 29.4 postoperatively (p=0.001). The mean KSS score improved from 45.6 preoperatively to 80.5 postoperatively (p=0.002). In MRI studies, 9 out of 12 patients had full incorporation of the graft into the native rotator cuff remnant. To date, there has been no intraoperative or postoperative complication from the graft procedure, such as infection or allograft rejection, in any patient. Conclusions: Arthroscopic bridging repair using a human dermis allograft can be considered as an option in treatment of select cases of massive irreparable rotator cuff tears, resulting in high patient satisfaction.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2019

Background: Latissimus dorsi (LD) tendon transfer is used as a treatment option for massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears, and recently, an arthroscopic-assisted technique was introduced. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic-assisted LD tendon transfer for the management of irreparable rotator cuff tears in active middle-aged patients. Methods: The records of five patients (two males) with irreparable tears involving the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons managed by arthroscopic-assisted LD tendon transfer were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon's (ASES) scores, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) scale, and ranges of motion. Postoperative integrities of transferred tendon were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging in 4 patients and by ultrasound in one. Results: Mean patient age was 55 years (range, 48-61 years), and mean follow-up period was 20 months (range, 12.0-27.2 months). Mean VAS score significantly improved from $6.6{\pm}2.6$ preoperatively to $1.8{\pm}2.5$ postoperatively (p=0.009), mean ASES score increased from $67.6{\pm}9.2$ to $84.6{\pm}15.1$, and mean UCLA score from $18.0{\pm}1.4$ to $28.8{\pm}8.5$ (all p<0.001). Postoperative imaging of the transferred LD tendon showed intact repair in 4 patients. The remaining patient experienced LD transfer rupture and a poor outcome. Conclusions: Arthroscopic-assisted LD tendon transfer improved shoulder pain and function in patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears, and may be an option for this condition, especially in physically active patients.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.269-271
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• 2015

Latissimus dorsi tendon transfer is a well-established method for treatment of irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears. We report on an anterolateral mini-open technique with a porcine dermal patch augmentation for latissimus dorsi tendon transfer. Use of this technique would result in avoidance of deltoid damage by anterolateral mini-open approach and reduction of failure rate by patch augmentation.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.114-121
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• 2021

Irreparable massive rotator cuff tears cause pain, loss of function, and a decrease in range of motion, which cause serious disturbances in daily life. Young patients, in particular, are active and have relatively high functional requirements, and their surgical options are limited. Superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) was first proposed for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears, good clinical results have been reported in short-term follow up. Since then, SCR has been used increasingly worldwide for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears, and various studies have been published on clinical outcomes, biomechanical outcomes, surgical techniques, and graft types. This article reviews the optimal graft and surgical options for improving clinical outcomes in SCR.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.328-333
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• 2022

Irreparable rotator cuffs with retracted torn ends remain a significant challenge for most shoulder surgeons. Since repairs are preferable to reconstruction or replacement whenever possible, studies for anatomical reductions with minimal tension and secure fixation are important. In this study, the authors introduce an arthroscopic supraspinatus advancement (ASSA) procedure for retracted rotator cuff tears that could not be adequately reduced to the original footprint. Using modified long, narrow, curved Cobb elevators, procedures can be performed through lateral portals without any additional skin incision. Following meticulous stepwise three-compartment elevation procedures based on the supraspinatus insertion anatomy, the supraspinatus muscle could be safely elevated from the fossa and sufficiently advanced laterally. The authors suggest that ASSA could be a useful procedure for management of challenging retracted rotator cuff tears by maximizing lateral excursions that could convert irreparable tears to reparable tears in select patients.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.126-130
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• 2024

Anterior glenohumeral instability with an irreparable subscapularis tear is a challenging problem for the orthopedic shoulder surgeon. Current techniques, including tendon transfers, yield inconsistent results with high rates of recurrent instability. Acellular dermal allografting has been used in young patients with massive superior rotator cuff tears with early success, but acellular dermal allografting is comparatively unstudied in anterior deficiency. We present two cases of anterior capsular reconstruction with an acellular dermal allograft in patients ages 66 and 58 years with irreparable subscapularis tendon tears. Follow-up for both patients exceeded 4 years, with forward flexion >140°, external rotation exceeding 60°, a Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score >90 points, a visual analog scale score of 0 points, and an American Shoulder and Elbow Score of 98 points. In conclusion, acellular dermal allografting can be used to reconstruct the anterior capsule in patients with massive irreparable subscapularis tears, similar to its use in superior capsular reconstruction in patients with massive posterosuperior rotator cuff tears.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.438-444
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• 2023

Irreparable massive rotator cuff tears can significantly impact daily life; and these types of tears can be difficult to repair completely, especially in younger patients who are more active and have higher functional requirements. Since its introduction by Mihata and the colleagues, superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) has gained popularity in the treatment of irreparable massive rotator cuff tears and has shown promising short-term results. A variety of studies have focused on the clinical and biomechanical outcomes of this procedure. This article reviews the biomechanics, indications for the surgical procedure, graft options, surgical technique, and rehabilitation from SCR.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.146-152
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this article was to review the effectiveness of arthroscopic debridement and tuberoplasty, and to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of our series for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears in the elderly. Materials and Methods: We reviewed articles that focused on the treatment options and decision making for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears. In particular, we summarized the reported results of arthroscopic debridement and tuberoplasty for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears in the elderly. Among consecutive patients who had arthroscopic tuberoplasty for irreparable massive rotator cuff tears in our series, thirty-two patients available for clinical and radiological evaluation at a mean follow-up of 29 months (range, 13-52 months) were enrolled and reviewed for the analysis. Results: At the last follow-up, the range of active forward flexion increased significantly with excellent pain relief and improvement in the ability to perform the activities of daily living. However, the group with less than 2 mm in preoperative acromiohumeral distance showed inferior postoperative results. Conclusion: Arthroscopic tuberoplasty may be an alternative option in irreparable massive rotator cuff tears for pain relief and improvement of range of motion. However, good results can not be expected if the acromiohumeral distance is less than 2 mm preoperatively and decreases postoperatively, or when the preoperative range of motion is less than $90^{\circ}$ on flexion and abduction.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.59-66
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• 2018

Background: Massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs) are a challenging clinical problem in young patients. In recent years, arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) is a popular treatment in the massive, irreparable RCTs. However, studies reporting clinical results of ASCR are rare in the literature. Methods: Between 2013 and 2015, six patients underwent ASCR. One patient treated with dermal allograft, while five patients with autogenous fascia lata graft. Demographic data, as well as preoperative and last follow-up clinical data including pain, range of motion (ROM), strength, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons system, the Constant system, the University of California at Los Angeles system, the Simple Shoulder Test, and the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index system were obtained. Acromiohumeral distances and Hamada classification were measured on standard anteroposterior x-ray. Results: All patients were men, and the average age was $59.5{\pm}4.18years$ (range, 53-65 years).The minimum follow-up was 18 months with a mean follow-up was $27.33{\pm}7.58months$ (range, 18-36). All patients had postoperative improvement in pain scores and functional scores. The ROM and strength did not improve after surgery. The Hamada score progressed of radiographic stage in 2 patients. In the case of dermal allograft, there was graft failure 6 weeks after ASCR. Conclusions: Our results support the ASCR as a viable treatment for surgical salvage in massive, irreparable RCTs. This treatment option may provide patients with decreased pain and increased function. And studying our case of dermal allograft failure provides opportunities to decrease graft failure in ASCR using dermal allograft.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.161-166
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• 2010

Purpose: Irreparable massive rotator cuff tears pose a distinct clinical challenge for the orthopaedist and non-surgical treatment has had inconsistent results and proven unsuccessful for chronic symptoms, while surgery, including debridement and partial and complete repairs have had varying degrees of success. Materials and Methods: For rotator cuff tears that are deemed irreparable, treatment options are limited. Results and Conclusion: The use of tendon transfers (latissimus dorsi for posterosuperior type cuff defects and pectoralis major for subscapularis defects) in younger patients to reconstruct rotator cuffs and re-establish function and restore shoulder kinematics can be useful in solving this difficult problem.