ARTHROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF ROTATOR CUFF TE NDINOPATHIES (EXCEPT FULL-THICKNESS TEARS) .1. TENDINOPATHIES WITHOUT CALCIFYING DEPOSIT

The authors have studied the result of endoscopic treatment in 129 non ruptured and non calcified tendinitis of the rotator cuff as well as 33 partial thickness tears included in a multicentric study made by th e french arthroscopic society. The files included a revision form usin g Constant's functional evaluation and filled by a physician different from the operator, and a radiological standardized evaluation allowin g to appreciate, from A.P. and lateral views, the acromion shape and t he importance of the resection. From the analysis of our results it ap pears that acromioplasty associated with a section of the coraco-acrom ial ligament (C.A.L.) under arthroscopic control is very efficient in tears of the superficial, bursal face of the rotator cuff. The same di d not apply to the tears of the deep, articular face, as their origin is probably different. In non ruptured and non calcified tendinitis, 9 0 per cent of our patients were subjectively better. According to Cons tant's index, we noticed 75 per cent of satisfactory results. The impo rtance of acromioplasty was not related to good results. We therefore think that one should relativise the notion of impingement between the coraco-acromial arch and the tendons of the rotator cuff. Acromioplas ty is only effective on one of the factors of tendinous pain. The impr ovement of our indication by a better knowledge of this pathology shou ld allow us to improve the results of an endoscopic procedure which is now well known and whose advantages do not need to be demonstrated an y more.