Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction versus reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: A comparative clinical study

Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty versus arthroscopic supe- rior capsular reconstruction in the treatment of patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears and Hamada grade 1-2 glenohumeral arthritis.

Methods: It is a retrospective case–control study comparing the prospective results of 2 different treatment methods. This retrospective comparison of groups was conducted between May 2016 and May 2020. The study included 40 people with massive irreparable rotator cuff tear and Hamada grade 1-2 arthropathy who had arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction with tensor fascia latae autograft or reverse shoulder arthroplasty surgery. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to treatment. Clinical outcome measures included shoulder range of motion, pain, and functional scores (Constant–Murley, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons).

Results: The mean age was 61.85 ± 7.56 and 71.10 ± 6.42 years, respectively, for group I [superior capsular reconstruction (n=20)] and group II [superior capsular reconstruction (n=20)]. The mean follow-up was 22.30 ± 8.4 and 32.50 ± 8.11 months, respectively. In the postoperative data, flexion degrees and Constant scores were significantly higher in the superior capsular reconstruction group (P=.007, P = .043). No significant difference was found between the 2 groups in all parameters (P > .05) except abduction. The increase in abduction value in the reverse shoulder arthroplasty group was significantly higher than in the superior capsular reconstruction group (P = .003). In addition, postoperative data in all parameters in both groups showed significant changes compared to preoperatively.

Conclusion: This study has shown that superior capsular reconstruction with tensor fascia latae autograft can provide clinical and func- tional improvement similar to the reverse shoulder arthroplasty procedure in treating massive irreparable rotator cuff tears with Hamada grade 1-2 arthropathy.

Level of Evidence: Level III, Therapeutic Study.

Cite this article as: Kendirci AŞ, Chodza M, Şahin K, Bayram S, Kızılkurt T, Erşen A. Arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction versus reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: A comparative clinical study. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc., 2023;57(4):161-168.