Clinical and patient reported outcomes after treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears: A Retrospective, Observational Study

Background: There is very less data available about post-operative outcomes after arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Tear (RCT) surgery in Indian population. Our study was aimed to collect the real-world postoperative data of rotator cuff tear repairs using Sironix knotted and knotless suture anchors.

Methods: This study was planned to collect the retrospective data of all subjects who underwent arthroscopic RCT surgery between April 2018 and June 2022. All patients were consented telephonically. Demographics, surgery details and other baseline characteristics were collected from the patient medical records. Primary objective of the study was to assess the repair failure rate. Secondary objectives were to assess the patient reported outcomes using PENN Shoulder Score (PSS), Quick - Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) questionnaires. Adverse device effects and surgery-related adverse events information were collected.

Results: A total of 54 subjects were enrolled in the study. The mean (SD) age was 58.7 (± 9.8) years. Mean (SD) total duration of follow-up was 13.5 ( ± 4.3) months. Of all the enrolled subjects, 34 (63%) had undergone arthroscopic cuff repair with acromioplasty of right shoulder. There were no repair failures observed in this study. Mean (SD) of total PENN shoulder score was 94.6 (± 6.9). Mean (SD) of Quick-DASH total score reported was 11.6 (± 1.6). The mean (SD) score for SANE questionnaire observed for both the injured and non-injured shoulders of patients was 95 (± 6.7). No adverse device effects were reported.

Conclusion: Current study devices appear to be a safe and effective approach in RCT surgeries providing acceptable post-operative recovery with no repair failures and agreeable functional improvement. Larger cohort prospective studies are required for further evaluation.