title: Meta-analysis comparing single-row and double-row repair techniques in the arthroscopic treatment of rotator cuff tears.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Rotator cuff tears are among the most common shoulder injuries and can be a source of persistent pain, disability, and decreased range of motion and strength. Our hypothesis was to conduct a meta-analysis of recently published studies to compare the clinical results of a double-row technique with the results of a single-row technique for different tear sizes.
  
  
  METHODS
  A search was performed in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Ovid databases. All randomized and quasi-randomized clinical trials that reported the outcome of single-row repair and double-row repair techniques were included in our meta-analysis. Two subgroups were set according to the tear size. The outcomes were the Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, UCLA score, re-tear rate, range of motion, and muscle strength.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We included 9 studies in this meta-analysis, 5 of which were randomized prospective studies. There was a statistically significant difference in favor of double-row repair for the overall ASES score, re-tear rate, and internal rotation range of motion. In subgroup 2 (tear size > 30 mm in the anteroposterior dimension), double-row techniques produced better outcomes than single-row techniques. There were no statistically significant differences in the overall Constant score, UCLA score, external rotation and forward elevation range of motion, or muscle strength.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Double-row rotator cuff repair techniques have a significantly lower re-tear rate, higher ASES score, and greater range of motion of internal rotation compared with single-row repair techniques. Especially in those rotator cuff tears with a size >30 mm, the double-row technique is recommended for repair.
authors.affiliation: Department of Arthroscopy Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Caiqi
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Department of Arthroscopy Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China. Electronic address: zhaojinzhong@vip.163.com.
authors.forename: Jinzhong
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.affiliation: Department of Arthroscopy Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Dingfeng
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001182:Arthroscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery*; D000070636:Rotator Cuff Injuries; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Double-row repair; Level II; Meta-Analysis; Treatment Study; clinical outcomes; re-tear rate; rotator cuff tear; single-row repair