title: Trans-tendon arthroscopic repair for partial-thickness articular side tears of the rotator cuff.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to describe a modified trans-tendon method of repairing partial articular surface lesions, which restored the footprint of the rotator cuff anatomically.
  
  
  METHODS
  The 24 consecutive patients with modified trans-tendon method which allowed a wider pressurized contact area by use of additional knotless anchor were included in this study. All patients were evaluated with ASES score and visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively, postoperative 3 and 12 months. The strength was measured using Isobex digital strength analyzer preoperatively and postoperative 12 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The ASES scores significantly improved from preoperative 38 ± 13 to 63 ± 5 at 3 months, and 89 ± 5 at 12 months postoperatively. The VAS scores also significantly improved from preoperative 6.6 ± 1.1 to 2 ± 0.7 at 3 months, 0.6 ± 0.7 at 12 months. The strengths significantly increased postoperatively, and there were no significant differences between affected and unaffected shoulders at 12 months postoperatively (P > 0.05). The 22 of 24 patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with postoperative result at 12 months postoperatively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This arthroscopic-modified trans-tendon suture bridge technique for partial-thickness articular side tears of the rotator cuff has shown excellent functional results and very high satisfaction rate of patient during the 12-month follow-up period.
  
  
  METHODS
  Evidence therapeutic study, Level IV.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Hallym, Chuncheon, Korea.
authors.forename: Young-Jin
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Seo
authors.forename: Yon-Sik
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Yoo
authors.forename: Do-Young
authors.initials: DY
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Kyu-Cheol
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Noh
authors.forename: Nagraj S
authors.initials: NS
authors.lastname: Shetty
authors.forename: Jae-Hyung
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D020127:Recovery of Function; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome