Arthroscopic rotator cuff suture and 360 degree capsular release may improve shoulder movement in rotator cuff tear

This study was published in the journal BMC Surgery by Jianwei Zuo and colleagues. Fifty-one patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears and restricted shoulder movement were enrolled, receiving treatment between October 2017 and October 2020. All patients underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff suture coupled with 360° capsular release. Shoulder joint function was evaluated pre-treatment and during follow-up using the Constant-Murley score, VAS score, shoulder flexion angle, and assessment of rotator cuff healing via MRI with the Sugaya classification.

• Improvement in Scores: Post-treatment assessments revealed significant enhancements in various parameters. The Constant-Murley score notably improved from 29.33 ± 9.71 to 58.98 ± 9.84, VAS score reduced significantly from 7.54 ± 1.22 to 1.23 ± 0.87, and shoulder flexion angle increased significantly from 51.50 ± 2.10° to 142.67 ± 8.59° (P < 0.05 in all cases).

• Clinical Implications: The combined approach of arthroscopic rotator cuff suture and 360° capsular release demonstrated a remarkable and statistically significant impact on improving shoulder joint function in patients with limited movement due to rotator cuff tendinopathy.

The study highlights the notable efficacy of the simultaneous application of arthroscopic rotator cuff suture and 360° capsular release in enhancing shoulder function and alleviating symptoms associated with rotator cuff tears and limited shoulder movement. This innovative treatment strategy holds promise for addressing the challenges posed by rotator cuff tendinopathy, potentially offering improved outcomes and enhanced patient quality of life.

Reference:

Zuo, J., Chen, C., Guo, J., Lin, J., You, T., Chen, P., Li, C., & Li, W. Efficacy of rotator cuff suture and arthroscopic 360° capsular release in patients with rotator cuff tear with limited shoulder movement. BMC Surgery,2023;23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12893-023-02157-6