title: Results of the repair of acute rotator cuff tears is not influenced by tear retraction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated retraction in the setting of acute rotator cuff tears and determined its effects on patient outcomes and tendon repair integrity.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 22 patients had surgery within 6 weeks or less from the time of injury. Fifteen of these patients were prospectively followed at a minimum of 2 years; average 40.5 months (range 24-69). Pre-operative objective and subjective outcomes were compared. Tendon repair integrity was assessed with ultrasound at a minimum of 1 year from surgery. The population was stratified into Group 1 (8 patients) with minimal intra-operative medial tendon retraction to the mid-line level of the humeral head and Group 2 (7 patients) with a large medial tendon retraction to the glenohumeral joint or greater.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average time to surgery from the onset of symptoms was 27 days (range, 6-42). Post-operative motion increased significantly for external rotation and forward elevation, 77% of patients were pain free, 80% were completely satisfied, and 100% would have the surgery again. Group 1 (small retraction) versus Group 2 (large retraction) showed that post-operative pain levels, satisfaction, range of motion, strength, subjective shoulder value (95.4% vs. 92.3%), Constant Score (80.8 vs. 78.1), and American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (96.2 vs. 93.5) scores were not statistically different. Ultrasound showed a tendon repair integrity rate of 87%. 2 patients who did have a re-tear were in Group 2, yet had comparative outcomes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In acute rotator cuff tears, equal patient satisfaction, pain scores, range of motion, strength, and outcome measures should be expected with surgical repair despite the level of retraction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapeutic level IV.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Shoulder and Elbow Service, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Bryan R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: Abigail N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Byrne
authors.forename: Laurence D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.forename: Anup
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Rachel L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Fowler
keywords: Outcomes; retraction; rotator cuff tear; shoulder