The reconstruction of inveterate rotator cuff lesions and lesions of the glenoid labrum of the shoulder with open and arthroscopic techniques

Ortop Traumatol Rehabil. 2003 Aug 30;5(4):463-8.

Abstract

Background. The purpose of the paper is to present the treatment results of patients with injured rotator cuff, based on 6 months study, major limb dysfunction and severe pain. <br /> Material and methods. Study is based on 14 patients, who underwent arthroscopic and open surgery of the shoulder. After arthroscopic repair of coexisting injuries and curbed mobility of the rotator cuff, open method was employed to reinsert rotator cuff with decompression of subacromial space. After the surgery, the arm was immobilised using orthosis with about 20-30 degrees abduction. Limited exercises of mobility range was started in the 4rd week after the surgery, increasing slightly the intensity and character of the exercises. External rotation movement was introduced in the third month after the surgery. <br /> Results. The decrease of pain score has been observed from 6.28 points before surgery to 1.87 points after the treatment. The UCLA score increased after the surgery by about 26 points. In Simple Shoulder Test the score of positive answers increased from 2.2 to 7.6 after surgery. Results of the treatment were lack off pain and restored stability of the shoulder. <br /> Conclusions. Decreased pain and better mobility seem to prove the efficacy of treatment of inveterate massive rotator cuff lesions.