ENDOSCOPIC SUBACROMIAL DECOMPRESSION IN T HE MANAGEMENT OF TENDINITISAND SIGNIFICANT PARTIAL THICKNESS TEARS OF THE ROTATOR CUFF

Aim of the study: The series of this article compares 148 patients wit h chronic tendinitis (group I) and 28 patients with significant partia l-thickness tears (group II) of the rotator cuff managed with arthrosc opic debridement and acromioplasty. Methods: All patients were evaluat ed by an independent observer with a mean follow-up of 26.5 (12-51) re sepectively 23.4 (12-50) months using the Constant-score, the ASES-sco re and a visual analog scale. The mean age in group I was 48.5 (25.4-7 1) and in group II 56.1 (33.2-80.6) years. Results: In group I 127 pat ients (86%) and in group II 17 patients (62%) were satisfied at latest follow-up (p < 0.05). Concerning the exclusively subjective ASES-scor e with a maximum of 100 points group I had an avarage of 78.8 and grou p II of 61.6 points (p = 0.0019). According to the criteria of Constan t group I scored with a mean of 81 points for the operated shoulder an d 91.6 points for the non-operated side and group II with either 65.2 points and 89.9 points (p = 0.0036). Clinical relevance: Recognizing t hese results a thorough activity-related preoperative discussion with the patient about the treatment options for significant partial-thickn ess cuff ruptures should be performed.