ARTHROSCOPIC ASSISTED ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR - RESULTS USING A MINI-OPENDELTOID SPLITTING APPROACH

Out of 78 patients identified who underwent mini-open cuff repair, 64 were interviewed and returned a detailed questionnaire and 47 returned for a physical examination. Their average age was 64 years (31 to 85 years); and the average follow-up was 29.2 months (range, 12 to 65 mon ths). The average tear size was 8 cm(2). Preoperatively, all patients complained of pain and weakness. Ninety-six percent of patients displa yed positive impingement signs preoperatively compared with 16% postop eratively. Active elevation increased significantly (P < .05) from 129 degrees to 166 degrees. At the time of follow-up there was no signifi cant difference between active elevation in the operative and contrala teral shoulders (P > .05). Weakness was detectable by physical examina tion in 83% of patients initially, and in 22% at the time of the final examination. The average pain and function scores improved significan tly. Eighty-nine percent were satisfied with the results of their surg ery. Three patients required further surgery on their shoulder. We fou nd no correlation between cuff tear size and final Hospital for Specia l Surgery shoulder score.