Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears

Title: Successful Long-Term Outcomes After Arthroscopic Repair of Partial Rotator Cuff Tears

Introduction

If you've been told you have a partial-thickness rotator cuff tear, you may wonder what your options are and how well treatments work in the long run. Recent research has shown that arthroscopic repair using a double-row technique can provide excellent results even 10 years after surgery.

Understanding Partial Rotator Cuff Tears

Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) occur when only a portion of the tendon is torn. Depending on where the tear happens, it can be classified as articular-sided (underside), bursal-sided (topside), or intratendinous (within the tendon).

Treatment Approach

In this study, surgeons tailored their repair technique to the type of tear:

Articular-sided tears were converted into full-thickness tears and then repaired.
Bursal-sided tears were repaired directly at the site of the tear.
Intra-tendinous tears were converted into bursal-sided tears and repaired accordingly.

All surgeries were performed arthroscopically (minimally invasive) using a double-row technique, which provides better tendon-to-bone healing.

Results After 10 Years

The study followed patients for an average of 12 years after their surgery. The outcomes were very positive:

Patients' shoulder function improved significantly.
Pain levels dropped dramatically.
Most patients reported high satisfaction with their results.

Specifically, measurements showed:

Function scores (ASES) improved from 28.6 before surgery to 87.2 after.
Pain scores (VAS) decreased from 8.2 to 1.5.
Overall shoulder satisfaction scores (SSV) rose from 35.6 to 90.3.

What This Means for You

If you have a partial rotator cuff tear and are considering surgery, arthroscopic double-row repair is a proven method that can provide long-lasting pain relief, improved function, and high satisfaction rates. Tailoring the surgical technique to the specific tear type has been shown to optimize results.

Always consult with your orthopedic surgeon to determine the best approach for your individual case.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic double-row repair for partial rotator cuff tears offers excellent outcomes even a decade after surgery. It's reassuring to know that with the right treatment, you can get back to living a more active, pain-free life for years to come.