title: Reconstruction of massive rotator cuff lesions with a synthetic interposition graft: a prospective study of 41 patients.
abstract: In the present prospective study, we report about our experience with massive rotator cuff tears treated by means of a non-resorbable transosseously fixated patch combined with subacromial decompression. Forty-one patients were followed clinically and radiographically for a mean duration of 43 months. Their mean preoperative Constant and Murley score improved (P<0.001) from 25.7 preoperatively to 72.1 postoperatively. Substantial pain relief and improvement in the performance of activities of daily living were obtained. Anatomically, the repair resulted in a mean acromiohumeral interval of 8.6 mm. At the latest follow-up, three patients presented with a new tear between the inserted mesh and the supraspinatus musculotendinous unit. Reoperations were not performed. For short-term periods, restoring a massive rotator cuff tendon defect with synthetic grafts combined with subacromial decompression can give significant pain relief and improvement of range of motion and strength with few complications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, St. Andries Hospital, Krommewal 9-11, 8700, Tielt, Belgium.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Audenaert
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Van Nuffel
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Schepens
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Verhelst
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Verdonk
mesh_terms: D000174:Acromion / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019299:Decompression, Surgical; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006811:Humerus / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D013526:Surgical Mesh
chemical_list: D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; C025539:Lavsan