Onlay patch augmentation in rotator cuff repair for moderate to large tears in elderly patients: clinical and radiologic outcomes.

BACKGROUND

This study evaluated the clinical and radiologic outcomes of onlay patch augmentation in rotator cuff repair for moderate-to-large tears in elderly patients.

METHODS

We reviewed 24 patients who underwent onlay augmentation with dermal allograft after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair from January 2017 to March 2020. Inclusion criteria were patients aged >65 years with tears >2.5 cm, who were followed for >12 months after surgery, and patients who could raise their arms above 90° preoperatively. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant-Murley score, pain visual analog scale (VAS), and VAS for satisfaction were used as clinical outcomes. For the evaluation of cuff integrity, magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed every 3 months after surgery. The results were compared before and after surgery in all patients and between the retear and intact groups.

RESULTS

The average follow-up period was 16.38 months, and the mean age of patients was 71.05 years. All patients showed significant improvement in ASES score, Constant-Murley score, and pain VAS at the last evaluation. The average value of satisfaction VAS was 7.27/10. The retear rate was 25% (6/24) if Sugaya type 3 was categorized in the retear group, otherwise 16.7% (4/24), if Sugaya type 3 was categorized into the intact group. Irrespective of Sugaya type 3 being included in the retear group, there was no significant difference in outcome variables between the intact and retear groups during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In moderate-to-large rotator cuff tear in elderly patients, onlay patch augmentation improved clinical outcomes. Retear did not adversely affect clinical outcomes.