Arthroscopic Repair of Medium to Large Rotator Cuff Tears with a Triple-Loaded Medially Based Single-Row Technique Augmented with Marrow Vents

Authors

Mark H. Getelman M.D., Brian D. Dierckman M.D., Petros Frousiakis D.O., Joseph P. Burns M.D., Alan Barber M.D., Ross Wodicka M.D. Ronald P. Karzel M.D., Stephen J. SnyderM.D.

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the repair integrity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and secondarily, clinical outcomes, of medium to large (2-4 cm) rotator cuff tears treated using an arthroscopic triple-loaded medially based single-row repair technique augmented laterally with bone marrow vents.

Methods

This is a retrospective outcomes study of patients with full-thickness medium to large (2-4 cm) rotator cuff tears repaired by 4 surgeons at a single institution over a 2-year period with a minimum of 24 months’ follow-up. A single-row repair with tension-minimizing medially based triple-loaded anchors and laterally placed bone marrow vents was used. Patients completed a satisfaction and pain survey, the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index questionnaire, and a Short Form-36 version 2 survey to evaluate clinical outcomes. MRI was obtained at a minimum of 24 months follow-up to assess repair integrity.

Results

A total of 64 males and 27 females with a mean age of 59.7 (range, 34-82) were included. The mean tear size was 2.6 cm in anteroposterior dimension, treated with a mean of 2.2 anchors. Eighty-three of 91 shoulders (91%) reported being completely satisfied with their result. The median Western Ontario Rotator Cuff score was 95.2% of normal, with a significant difference found between those with an intact repair and those with a full-thickness recurrent defect (median, 95.9% vs. 73.8%; P = .003). Postoperative MRI obtained at a median of 32 months (range, 24-48) demonstrated an intact repair in 84 of 91 shoulders (92%), with failure defined as a full-thickness defect of the tendon.

Conclusions

Arthroscopic repair of medium to large rotator cuff tears using triple-loaded medially based single-row repair augmented with marrow vents resulted in a 92% healing rate by MRI and excellent patient-reported outcomes

Download the Study: Arthroscopic Repair of Medium to Large Rotator Cuff Tears with a Triple-Loaded Medially Based Single-Row Technique Augmented with Marrow Vents

Mark Getelman, MD

Average rating:

123 reviews

John P

Aug 14, 2024

by John P on Mark Getelman, MD

I am so eternally thankful for Dr. Getelman’s skillful repair of my right shoulder. Pain is mostly absent. Limitations are great, as far as weight bearing and quick muscle movements, but the absence of pain has greatly made sleep, reaching for items, using a kitchen knife once again, washing my hair and brushing my teeth "normal" once more.

His time and expertise on my surgery is much appreciated.

To think about the quality of some regularity he will return to the next patient from a truly grateful past candidate.

Thank you Doctor, for your steady hand and complex, complicated, compassionate repair.

Sincerely,

John P.

Steven

Apr 30, 2018

by Steven on Mark Getelman, MD

Shoulder Rotator cuff pantient

Dr. Getelman and his assistant Katie did an excellent job on my rotator cuff surgery April 12, 2017. The shoulder needed an extensive amount of work. I took PT (physical therapy) very seriously the following four months. Due to a successful surgery and a lot of PT I was able to get all my range of motion back and great strength. I also approved on how efficient the office staff are. I am very thankful to all that helped me.

Anonymous

Apr 12, 2018

by Anonymous on Mark Getelman, MD

They are very knowledgeable and professional.

I had an excellent experience with Dr. Getelman and his staff. They are very knowledgeable and professional.

Submit your review
Name:
Email:
Website:
Review Title:
Rating:	1 2 3 4 5
Review:

Check this box to confirm you are human.
Submit Cancel