Arthroscopic suprascapular nerve release

Abstract

The number of rotator cuff repairs performed annually has risen in recent years. Fortunately, these repairs result in satisfactory outcomes in the majority of cases. However, some patients have persistent pain or disability following rotator cuff repair. Structural failure of repair in particular remains common, particularly with massive tears where single-row (SR) fixation of rotator cuff has led to a re-tear rate of approximately 69 %. While functional outcome is correlated with postoperative rotator cuff integrity, remarkably many patients do quite well despite structural failure. In patients with persistent symptoms and/or structural failure of the repair, a careful evaluation is required to determine first if any further treatment is appropriate and then second the type of intervention that will likely benefit the patient.