Serial magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the early reaction of all-suture anchors in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the early reaction of all-suture anchors (ASAs) in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS This retrospective case series comprised 23 patients (8 women, 15 men; mean age = 59.9 years, age range = 36-73 years) with medium-size rotator cuff tear who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. All patients underwent postoperative serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Demographic and operative characteristics were recorded. MRIs were evaluated for osseous cyst formation, and tunnel volume was measured. Statistical analyses were performed to detect differences in the serial MRI follow-up observation. RESULTS A total of 39 ASAs were evaluated. Osseous cyst formation was found in two ASAs (5.1%) at the 6-month follow-up. Tunnel expansion was significantly observed in both 3- and 6-month postoperative MRI evaluations (P < 0.001). The mean tunnel volume significantly increased 1.95 times at the 3-month follow-up and 2.84 times at the 6-month follow-up (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Evidence from this study has revealed low rates of cyst formation but significant increases in tunnel volume at the early follow-up following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with ASAs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, Therapeutic Study.