A New Modified Suture Bridge Technique

A New Modified Suture Bridge Technique for Medium-sized Rotator Cuff Tears: Functional and Radiological Outcomes of a Prospective Study

We aimed to introduce a new modified suture bridge technique and report the clinical outcomes and radiological assessments of modified suture bridge technique for medium rotator cuff tears.

Purpose: We aimed to introduce a new modified suture bridge technique and report the clinical outcomes and radiological assessments of modified suture bridge technique for medium rotator cuff tears.

Methods: We prospectively followed 50 consecutive patients with medium rotator cuff tears treated with the modified suture bridge (MSB) or traditional suture bridge technique (TSB) from December 2018 and December 2019. On the basis of preoperative findings and MRI performance, 26 patients underwent MSB repair whereas 24 underwent TSB repair. Range of shoulder motion, visual analog scale score (VAS score), University of California-Los Angeles score (UCLA score), Constant-Murley shoulder score (Constant score), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES score) were assessed. Magnetic resonance imaging were performed preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively.

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) full-thickness medium tears (1-3cm) of primary supraspinatus (SSP) tendon was identified on preoperative MRI and intraoperative arthroscopy, (2) undesirable conservative treatment for 3 months, (3)completed follow-up of 12 months postoperatively and patients who adhered to the rehabilitation plan.

Exclusion Criteria:

• (1) previous shoulder surgery, (2) Other pathological changes that would need to be addressed at the time of arthroscopic surgery, such as rotator cuff tear involving the subscapular (SSC) tendon，biceps tendon injury, (3) failure to follow our postoperative rehabilitation protocol and patients without regular follow-up.