To evaluate the patch technique in repairing huge rotator cuff tear.

A retrospective analysis was conducted of the 9 patients with huge rotator cuff tear who had been repaired with patch technique at Department of Orthopaedics, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital from March 2017 to March 2019. They were 5 males and 4 females, aged from 53 to 79 years (average, 61 years). Shoulder movement limitation was found in 7 cases, night pain in 5, and positive Neer impingement sign and Hawkins sign in 7. By the Bigliani acromion classification, there were 6 cases of type Ⅱ and 3 cases of type Ⅲ. Comparisons were made between preoperation, 12 and 15 months postoperation in terms of scores of the visual analogue scale(VAS) and the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) scoring system, and shoulder range of motion.

All the 9 patients were followed up for 15 to 24 months(mean, 18 months). Arthroscopy found tears in more than 2 tendons in all of them. The VAS scores were 6.7±1.6, 4.5±1.3 and 3.7±1.1 at preoperation, 12 and 15 months postoperation; the UCLA scores were 7.9±1.2, 21.5±4.1 and 23.9±4.3 at preoperation, 12 and 15 months postoperation. There were statistically significant differences in both the VAS and UCLA scores between preoperation, 12 and 15 months postoperation (P<0.05). There were also statistically significant differences between the 3 groups in the shoulder range of motion at preoperation, 12 and 15 months (P<0.05). MRI reexamination at 12 months postoperation showed minor re-tear < 3 cm in 2 patients.

The patch technique is a reasonable and effective treatment to repair huge rotator cuff tears, resulting in good mid-term outcomes.

Shoulder joint; Wounds and injuries; Reconstructive surgical procedures; Patch technique; Rotator cuff tear