Arthroscopic single-row supraspinatus tendon repair with a modified mattress locking stitch: a prospective, randomized controlled comparison with a simple stitch

Arthroscopy. 2008 Sep;24(9):1005-12. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2008.04.074. Epub 2008 Jun 24.

Abstract

Purpose: Our purpose was to compare the clinical results and failure rates of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair by use of a modified mattress locking stitch (MMLS) repair versus a simple stitch repair.

Methods: Between December 2004 and January 2006, 78 cases of arthroscopically repaired full-thickness rotator cuff tears were evaluated prospectively. All tears were between 1.5 and 3 cm in size. The mean age of the patients was 53.4 years (range, 39 to 68 years), and the mean follow-up duration was 31.1 months (range, 24 to 37 months). Thirty-nine individuals underwent arthroscopic repair by use of an MMLS (group I). Thirty-nine individuals underwent arthroscopic repair by use of a simple stitch (group II). Postoperative visual analog scale scores for pain, scores for activities of daily living, and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores were obtained at a mean of 12 months (range, 6 to 36 months). We compared the results statistically by Mann-Whitney U test. In both groups magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained at 6 to 36 months after repair.

Results: Between groups, the visual analog scale scores for pain, scores for activities of daily living, and University of California, Los Angeles scores were not significantly different (P > .05 for all). Of the patients, 92.3% in group I and 89.7% in group II showed excellent or good results at the final follow-up (P > .05). The satisfaction rate was 94.9% (37 cases) in group I and 89.7% (34 cases) in group II (P < .05). Radiographic failure was seen in 6 of 36 cases in group I (16.7%) and 9 of 30 cases in group II (27.4%) (P < .05).

Conclusions: Arthroscopic repair of medium-sized (1.5- to 3-cm) full-thickness rotator cuff tears by use of an MMLS improves patient satisfaction rates and radiographic repair integrity in comparison to simple stitch repair.

Level of evidence: Level II, lesser-quality randomized controlled trial.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Arthroscopy / methods*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lacerations / surgery*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Prospective Studies
  • Rotator Cuff / surgery*
  • Rotator Cuff Injuries*
  • Rupture
  • Suture Techniques*
  • Treatment Outcome