Authors
Abstract
Background: Rotator cuff tear is one of the most common causes of shoulder complaint in the older age group. Treatments differ depending on the severity of tear and patient’s condition. Surgery is one of the important treatment options which may be done arthroscopically or by open technique. In this study we would like to report a short-term result of arthroscopic repair of complete tears of rotator cuff.Methods: A cross-sectional study was done in 3 hospitals in Tehran, Iran. 183 patients were treated for their rotator cuff disease by arthroscopic technique from January 2003 to August 2006. 107 cases that had complete tears, and had at least one year follow-up were considered for the study. 89 patients (56 male, 33 female) attended the assessment sessions and were evaluated by UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) Shoulder and Elbow scoring system. The scores were compared with the preoperative UCLA scores. Acromioplasty was performed in 83 patients.Results: With a mean age of 53.2 (32-71) years, the average UCLA score was 11.3 before surgery and 31.4 in follow-ups. There were 11 patients with excellent, 62 good, 11 fair and 5 poor scores. Nine of the 11 cases with excellent scores and 34 of the good scores were younger than 55 years of age. Out of the 16 fair or poor results, 13 were older than 60 years of age.Conclusions: A significant improvement in UCLA scores is possible after arthroscopic repair of complete rotator –cuff tear, in short term. The treatment results are better in younger patients.
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