Arthroscopic treatment of subacromial impingement syndrome in older patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of arthroscopic acromioplasty and rotator cuff repair for older patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears(RCTs). Methods This was a prospective cohort study.From January 2013 to December 2017, a total of 142 older patients with full-thickness RCTs were enrolled.Based on treatment methods, patients were divided into an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair group(operation group)and a conservative treatment group(control group). The operation group had 70 patients, including 26 males and 44 females, with an average age of 74.5 years(aged 66-83 years), and was followed up for≥12 months after surgery.The DEORIO and COFIELD criteria revealed 61 cases of medium tears and 9 cases of large tears in the operation group.The control group had 62 patients, including 27 males and 35 females, with an average age of 74.2 years(aged 65-82 years), and was followed up for≥12 months.There were 41 cases of medium tears and 21 cases of large tears, according to the DEORIO and COFIELD criteria.The visual analogue scale(VAS)scores, range of motion, Simple Shoulder Test(SST), Constant score were recorded pre-treatment and at 1-year post-treatment and compared between the two groups. Results 132 older patients(70 in the operation group and 62 in the control group)were followed up for at least 1 year.There was no significant differences in VAS scores, range of motion, SST scores and the Constant score pre-treatment between the two groups(all P>0.05). However, the operation group was associated with significantly improved VAS scores, range of motion, SST scores and the Constant score at 1-year post-treatment, compared with the control groups(all P<0.05). Conclusions Arthroscopic acromioplasty and rotator cuff repair can improve shoulder function in older patients with full-thickness RCTs.The long-term follow-up results will be studied further. Key words: Arthroswpes; Shoulder pain