Comparison of two techniques for surgical repair of isolated supraspinatusrupture. A matched-pair study

The comparison of results after open surgery methods in the repair of rotat or cuff ruptures needs homogen patient groups. We compared 34 patients in 2 groups who were treated with open surgery for isolated ruptures of the supraspinatus muscles (lesion type III). Patients in group I were treated with transosseous suture refixation of the supraspi natus, in group II suture anchors (type: Corcsrew(R)) were used. Both group s were age and gender paired. Preoperatively, all patients had the same cli nical status. For the evaluation of the clinical results at follow-up we us ed the Constant-Score. In addition,strength and pain measurement and obliqu e X-rays of the shoulder were performed. The follow-up time was 18 months. In all patients,the mean Constant-Score improved significantly with increas e in muscle strength and marked pain reduction. Significant differences bet ween both groups could not be observed. The mean time of surgery in group I I (suture anchor) was significantly lower than in group I. In conclusion, with the anchor techniques the same good results can be achi eved as with bone refixation. The shortening of the surgery time should, ho wever, be seen in relation to the higher costs with this technique.