Superior Capsular Reconstruction of the Shoulder with Long Head of Biceps Autograft vs. Achilles Tendon Allograft: A 2-Year Comparative Study.

Abstract

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the clinical-functional outcomes, healing rates, complications, and surgical time in patients treated with superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) using long head of the biceps autograft (LHB) and Achilles allograft (AA).

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 24 patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus, treated with SCR. Two treatment groups were formed: one with 12 cases using AA and another with 12 cases using LHB. All patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years.

Results: The SSV was 73.7 ± 25.3 vs. 86.0 ± 8.7 (p=0.26), the Constant score was 76.8 ± 20.1 vs. 83.7 ± 4.6 (p=0.12), and the VAS was 1.6 ± 2.3 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5 (p=0.9) for the LHB and AA groups, respectively. Tendon healing was 66.7% in AA and 100% in LHB (p=0.001). Complications were 50% in AA and 0% in LHB. The average surgical time was 127.7 ± 37.6 minutes for AA and 84.3 ± 14.3 minutes for LHB (p=0.01).

Conclusions: SCR with LHB showed better results in terms of tendon healing, fewer complications, and reduced surgical time compared to the use of AA.

Level of evidence: IV.