To investigate the clinical curative effect of the arthroscopic suture bridge technique in treating massive rotator cuff tear.

Between June 2014 and June 2016, except for those who were not able to follow up or poor compliance, 38 patients with massive rotator cuff tear were treated in Guangzhou Orthopedic Hospital. The size of the tear and the quality of the tendon were evaluated by the X-ray and MRI that were taken before surgery. Shoulder function was evaluated according to the University of California Los Angeles scoring (UCLA) and visual analogue scale (VAS). The VAS and UCLA before and after the operation were compared by paired t test with SPSS 17.0 statistical software.

There were 38 cases collected, including 23 males and 15 females with a mean age of (66±6) years. All the 38 patients were followed up for at least six months with a mean time of (12±5) months. All the patients had two tendons involved in the massive rotator cuff tear. Fifteen patients were the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons. Eight patients were the supraspinatus, infraspinatus and teres minor tendons. Ten patients were the supraspinatus, infraspinatus and subscapular tendons. Five patients were the supraspinatus and subscapular tendons. The preoperative VAS score was (6.7±1.6) and significantly decreased to (2.4±1.7) six months after the operation (t=10.123, P<0.01). The preoperative UCLA score was (7.9±1.2) and significantly increased to (23.4±5.1) six months after the operation (t=-18.979, P<0.01). There were five pantients with rotator cuff retear when reviewed the MRI six months postoperation. The retear size was less than 3 cm. The VAS score and UCLA score of the reccurence patients showed no obvious difference with non-reccurence ones.

The arthroscopic suture bridge technique in treating massive rotator cuff tear can achieve a favorable short-term clinical curative effect, which seems to be a reasonable and effective therapy method.

Shoulder joint; Arthroscope; Rotator cuff; Suture anchors