KSSTA - 2026-03-07 - Journal Article
Suture tape-based SCR in massive rotator cuff tear repair provides comparable functional outcomes to biceps tendon-based SCR with a lower re-tear rate.
Öztürk Ö, Bayram B, Yılmaz E, Yozgatlı TK, Paksoy AE, Kocaoğlu B
Topics
Key Takeaway
Suture tape-based SCR yields a lower re-tear rate than LHBT-based SCR (11.5% vs. 16.6%, p=0.04) with equivalent functional scores and greater acromiohumeral distance restoration in massive rotator cuff tear partial repair.
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Summary
This study compared LHBT-based versus suture tape-based SCR as adjuncts to partial repair in 56 patients with massive rotator cuff tears, assessing Constant, ASES, VAS, AHD, and MRI re-tear rates. Both groups achieved significant postoperative improvements across all functional scores with no intergroup difference. The ST group demonstrated a significantly greater AHD increase (p=0.03) and lower re-tear rate (11.5% vs. 16.6%, p=0.04).
Key Limitation
Mean follow-up duration is not reported, making it impossible to assess durability of the re-tear rate difference or functional gains over time.
Original Abstract
PURPOSE
This study aimed to compare postoperative functional outcomes, anatomical restoration and re-tear rates between the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) and suture tape (ST)-based superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) in patients undergoing partial repair for massive rotator cuff tears. It was hypothesized that ST reconstruction would achieve lower re-tear rates while providing comparable functional results.
METHODS
A retrospective cohort of 56 patients treated for massive rotator cuff tears between 2017 and 2022 was analysed. Thirty patients underwent partial repair with LHBT-based SCR (Group 1), and 26 patients received partial repair with ST-based SCR (Group 2). Functional outcomes were assessed using the Constant score, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. Shoulder range of motion and anatomical parameters, including the acromiohumeral distance (AHD), were measured. Re-tear rates were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging at the final follow-up.
RESULTS
Both groups demonstrated significant postoperative improvements in the VAS, Constant and ASES scores (p < 0.05), with no significant intergroup differences. Postoperative AHD increased in both groups, with a significantly greater increase in the ST group (p = 0.03). Re-tear rates were 16.6% in the LHBT group versus 11.5% in the ST group (p = 0.04), indicating superior structural integrity with the ST.
CONCLUSION
ST and LHBT-based SCR provide comparable functional improvements in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears. ST may offer enhanced structural stability and lower re-tear rates, representing a viable alternative for patients with poor tendon quality or absent biceps tendon. Long-term prospective studies are required to confirm their durability and clinical relevance.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III.