Comparative analysis of clinical outcomes of rotator cuff sutures and their dependence on the methods of cuff fixation

Partial or full-thickness rotator cuff tear is one of the leading causes of pain and dysfunction in the shoulder joint. Despite the variety of existing surgical techniques, the incidence of re-ruptures after surgical treatment, according to MRI studies, varies from 20 % to 39 %. Purpose To evaluate and compare the clinical results of full-thickness rotator cuff tears surgical treatment using various methods of tendon fixation. Materials and methods A retrospective analysis of case histories, surgery protocols and interviews of patients who underwent surgical treatment for rotator cuff tears at the Krasnoyarsk Regional Clinical Hospital within a period of 6 years was carried out. The sample consisted of 120 patients. All patients were divided into three groups depending on the method of fixation: 1) SutureBridge technique using anchors, 2) classic double-row transosseous suture, 3) double-row transosseous suture using extracortical fixators (Endobutton, Fliptack). Results In the first group, excellent and good results were obtained in 72.86 % and poor results were observed in 18.57 %. In the second group, excellent and good results were obtained in 66.66 % of cases, unsatisfactory results in 18.18 %. In the third group, excellent and good results were obtained in 76.47 %, there were no poor outcomes. The best clinical results were obtained in the group of patients who underwent postoperative rehabilitation. Conclusion Anchor SutureBridge technique and classical transosseous suture technique demonstrate comparable long-term outcomes. The absence of poor outcomes in the group of extracortical fixators makes further study of this method promising and should be shown in a larger sample.