A new technique of arthroscopic subscapularis repair with 2-year clinical outcomes in an Asian population

Abstract

Background: Tears of the subscapularis are not as common as the other rotator cuff muscles and hence not as many arthroscopic repair techniques have been previously described in the literature. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic subscapularis repairs (with and without repairs of the other cuff muscles) using a technique devised by the senior author of this study. Methods: A retrospective study of 40 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic subscapularis repair at a single centre, by a single surgeon from 2009 to 2014. All patients were assessed preoperatively and post-operatively at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Constant–Murley Shoulder Score (CMSS), University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) were recorded and used. Results: At 24 months follow-up, the VAS for pain improved from 6 (±2) points preoperation to 0 (±1) points. The CMSS improved from 41 (±18) points preoperation to 71 (±15). The relative CMSS improved from 55 (±24%) preoperation to 96 (±22%; % of the uninjured side). The ULCA Shoulder Score improved from 15 (±5) points preoperation to 30 (±4). The OSS improved from 28 (±12) points preoperation to 45 (±5). p < 0.001 for all outcomes measured. Conclusion: Overall clinical outcomes are favourable at 2 years postoperatively. The described technique is an effective method for arthroscopic subscapularis repair in the Asian population.