Deformities associated with the suture-bridge technique for full-thickness rotator cuff tears.
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to evaluate the incidence and cause of deformities associated with the suture-bridge technique in rotator cuff tears.


METHODS
We performed a prospective review of a consecutive series of 100 shoulders with full-thickness tears (50 with medium tears, 43 with large tears, and 7 with massive tears) treated by use of the suture-bridge technique in 2007. The surgical technique was classified according to the number of suture anchors inserted in the medial and lateral rows (2 x 2 suture bridges in 82 cases, 3 x 2 in 12, and 3 x 3 in 6). On arthroscopy, the development of a marginal dog-ear deformity and central bird-beak deformity during the repair was investigated. These deformities were corrected by use of the modified suture-bridge technique or by insertion of an additional suture anchor.


RESULTS
Dog-ear deformities occurred in 47 cases and were most frequent in large tears treated with a 2 x 2 suture bridge (21 cases). Dog-ear deformities in 2 x 2 suture bridges were more frequent in large tears than in medium tears (P < .05), and with large tears, they were more frequent with 2 x 2 suture bridges than with 3 x 2 suture bridges (P < .05). Bird-beak deformities occurred in 13 cases and were most frequent in large tears treated with 2 x 2 suture bridges (9 cases). Bird-beak deformities with 2 x 2 suture bridges were more frequent in large tears than in medium tears (P < .05), and with large tears, they were more frequent with 2 x 2 suture bridges than with 3 x 2 suture bridges (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
To reduce deformities associated with the suture-bridge technique during rotator cuff repair, individualized repair methods may be applied according to the size and pattern of the rotator cuff tear.


METHODS
Level IV, therapeutic case series.
Kim
Kyung-Cheon
KC
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, South Korea. kckim@cnuh.co.kr
Rhee
Kwang-Jin
KJ
Shin
Hyun-Dae
HD
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery