Short-Term Clinical Outcomes and Comparison of Ultrasound Versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Superior Capsular Reconstruction.

purposeTo evaluate the short-term outcomes of 10 patients with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears treated with arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) using dermal allograft.

methodsBetween 2016 and 2018, patients with symptomatic irreparable rotator cuff tears were prospectively enrolled for treatment with arthroscopic SCR. Investigational review board approval was achieved. All patients were treated by a single fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. Range of motion and functional outcome according to visual analog scale pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and Simple Shoulder Test scores were assessed preoperatively and at routine follow-up intervals. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound were obtained at a minimum of 1 year to assess graft integrity and to correlate clinical outcomes.

resultsTen patients with a mean age of 58.6 years had a minimum follow-up of 1 year. In all patients, preoperatively to postoperatively, mean forward flexion improved from 141° to 173° (

conclusionsAlthough clinical outcomes are statistically improved following arthroscopic SCR using a dermal allograft, the early high failure rates of the graft raise concerns about the long-term outcomes of the procedure. Furthermore, the use of ultrasound alone to validate an intact graft should be used with caution, as failures can occur at the glenoid and can be missed without MRI correlation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic case series.