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.

Whereas patients and surgeons were aware of the group assignments, the outcome assessors and data analysts were remained blinded during the study period.

For the TSB group, if the tear type is confirmed to be medium-sized during the operation, TSB technique will be performed

For the MSB group, if the tear type is confirmed to be medium-sized during the operation, TSB technique will be performed

(A) Limbs of the sutures from the medial anchor were passed through torn tendon (B) the suture limbs were tied in a horizontal mattress suture pattern (C) the lateral row pressed the free tails of the knotted line on the greater tubercle of the humerus (D) the effect after completion of the TSB technique

(A) Limbs of the sutures from the medial anchor and 2 tendon sutures were passed through the same position of torn tendon (B) the lateral row pressed free tails of the two tendon lines on the greater tubercle of the humerus (C) after examination of sufficient tension and stable fixation, sutures of medial row was knotted (D) the effect after completion of the MSB technique

Grade I: sufficient thickness of tendon; Grade II: sufficient thickness of tendon and partial high intensity within tendon; Grade III: insufficient thickness of tendon without discontinuity; Grade IV: slight discontinuity in 1 or 2 images of oblique coronal plane and sagittal plane; Grade V:obvious discontinuity of tendons in more than 2 images of both oblique coronal plane and sagittal plane.

Grade I: a ratio between 1.00 and 0.60 can be considered as normal or slightly atrophied; Grade II: values between 0.60 and 0.40 suggest moderate atrophy. Grade III: values below 0.40 indicate serious or severe atrophy.

Grade 0: completely normal muscle; Grade 1: muscle contains some fatty streaks; Grade 2: there is more muscle than fat; Grade 3: equal distribution of fat and muscle; grade 4: more fat was present than muscle. Among them, grade 0 is normal, grade 1 and 2 are considered moderate, grade 3 and 4 are classified as severe.

The score mainly consists of two parts. Patients subjectively evaluate pain and functional activity; and doctors objectively evaluate shoulder joint mobility and muscle strength. Possible scores range from 0 to 35, a higher score means a better result.

The score mainly consists of two parts. Patients subjectively evaluate pain and functional activity; and doctors objectively evaluate shoulder joint mobility and muscle strength. Possible scores range from 0 to 35, a higher score means a better result.

An assessment method often used by orthopedic surgeons when assessing the condition of patients with shoulder joints.Possible scores range from 0 to 100#a higher score means a better result.

An assessment method often used by orthopedic surgeons when assessing the condition of patients with shoulder joints.Possible scores range from 0 to 100#a higher score means a better result.

The evaluation criteria used to assess shoulder joint function based on the patients' pain and accumulated daily activities. Possible scores range from 0 to 100. The higher the score, the better the shoulder joint function.

The evaluation criteria used to assess shoulder joint function based on the patients' pain and accumulated daily activities. Possible scores range from 0 to 100. The higher the score, the better the shoulder joint function.

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.

Individual participant data that underlie the results reported in this article, after deidentification (text, tables, figures, and appendices)

Proposals should be directed to zhangsports2021@sina.com. To gain access, data requestors will need to sign a data access agreement. Data are available for 5 years at a third party website

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Kim KC, Shin HD, Lee WY, Yeon KW, Han SC. Clinical outcomes and repair integrity of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using suture-bridge technique with or without medial tying: prospective comparative study. J Orthop Surg Res. 2018 Aug 28;13(1):212. doi: 10.1186/s13018-018-0921-z.

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