The Effect of Microfracture Procedure on Rotator Cuff Tendon Healing

Early-term Effects of Microfracture on Tendon Vascularity and Healing in Arthroscopic Treatment of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tears: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Patients with complaints of shoulder pain or limitation of motion and had rotator cuff rupture diagnosed with magnetic resonance imaging will be analyzed and the patients with surgical indication will be included in a randomized fashion. One group of patient will undergo standard arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, while the other group will have microfracture procedure in addition to the standard arthroscopic repair. Before the operation, functional and clinical conditions will be recorded with Constant and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Score (ASES) universal shoulder scoring systems and Visual Analogue Scale(VAS) pain scale. The blood supply and healing of the tendon in the repair area will be compared by the doppler ultrasound (superb microvascular imaging) at the 2nd, 4th, 8th and 12th week after the operation. Post-operative clinical, functional status and pain levels will be evaluated with Constant, ASES and VAS pain scales at 24th week.

Inclusion Criteria:

• degenerative rotator cuff tears

Exclusion Criteria:

• traumatic rotator cuff tears
• rheumatoid diseases
• previous surgery of rotator cuff tendon
• glenohumeral arthritis
• acromioclavicular arthritis