Outcomes of Arthroscopic Knotless Tape Bridging Rotator Cuff Repair: a Minimum Follow-up of 5 Years

Purpose: Knotless tape bridging repair has demonstrated high resistance to failure and improved tendon surface coverage on the trochiter. Satisfactory clinical results were reported at short term follow-up. Objective of this study was to assess long term radiological and clinical results of this technique.

Methods: A consecutive series of 73 patients operated for a transfixing rupture of the supraspinatus tendon with or without infra-spinatus extension and a Gutallier index

Results: Among the 73 patients, 5 did not perform their MRI check and 3 were lost to follow-up. 65 patients were analyzed. Average age was 56 (+/-4). Mean follow-up was 65.8 months (+/-5). Mean pre-operative Constant score was 37.8 (+/-8.3) and 82.8 (+/-14.7) at last follow-up (p<0.001). VAS increased from 5.5 (+/-1.6) to 2.1 (+/-2.1) (p<0.001). Anteflexion improved from 99.3° (+/-13.4°) preoperatively to 136.6° (+/-15.9°) at last follow-up (p<0.001). Force score was significantly higher postoperatively (18.4 (+/-6.7) vs 8.3 (+/-3.5), p<0.001). ASES was significantly improved (48.2 (+/-13.1) vs 87.4 (+/-15.8), p<0.001). MRI control showed 88% (n=57) of Sugaya 1-2 repairs. Group of unhealed caps showed significantly lower functional results than Sugaya 1-2 Group (p<0.05). No correlation between degree of retraction and rate of healing was observed.

Conclusion: Knotless tape bridging repair showed excellent results on tendon healing on MRI control as well as shoulder function. These results, which are maintained in long term, may confirm the mechanical properties of this repair.