Comparison of two arthroscopic repair techniques for small-medium supraspinatus tendon tear: 1 triple-loaded vs 2 double-loaded metallic sutures anchors

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical repair of the rotator cuff is based on the use of anchors whose ideal numbers and configurations continue to be controversial. We compared the clinical-functional results arising from the arthroscopic repair of shoulders, with small-medium lesions of the supraspinatus tendon, among patients using one anchor with three sutures, or two anchors with two sutures. Methods: In this retrospective study patient were resolved into 2 groups. Clinical and functional results were assessed based on Constant Score and instrumental isometric examination. Results: Patients in Group 1 experienced shoulder repair using a single anchor with three sutures (n = 21, mean age = 56 years, range = 51–65). In Group 2, patients received two anchors with two sutures each (n = 24, mean age = 59 years, range = 24–75). The mean follow-up time was 15 months. The mean values of the operated shoulders’ Constant Score were 88.05 and 88.25 respectively. Examination of isometric test results in operated shoulders, healthy shoulders and the two different rotator cuff repair techniques did not reveal any statistically significant differences. Conclusion: In the arthroscopic repair of small-medium supraspinatus tendon tears, the short to mid-term clinical and functional outcomes arising from use of 1 triple-loaded or 2 double-loaded metallic sutures anchors are comparable.