Abstract
Purpose: The goal of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the arthroscopic repair of
isolated subscapularis tears. Additionally, this study explores details of the clinical
diagnosis, magnetic resonance arthrography findings, and surgical repair techniques.
Type of Study: A prospective cohort. Methods: The preoperative and postoperative status of patients with isolated subscapularis
tears were analyzed using the Constant Score, American Shoulder and Elbow Society
Index (ASES Index), a visual analog pain scale (VAS), a single question of percent
function compared with the opposite unaffected extremity, and a single question reflecting
satisfaction: “Would you undergo the surgery and the postoperative rehabilitation
to achieve the result you have today.” Results: There was a statistically significant difference for all outcome measures from preoperative
to postoperative follow-up at 2 to 4 years, except for the objective Constant Score.
There were no differences based on gender. Preoperative magnetic resonance arthrography
aids in the confirmation of the subscapularis tear. Conclusions: The arthroscopic repair of the isolated subscapularis tear provides for reliable
expectations of improvement in function, particularly the use of the arm behind the
back, decreases in pain, decreases in biceps subluxation or instability, and the return
of active normal internal rotation. Subjectively, magnetic resonance arthrography
is better than magnetic resonance imaging for visualizing the subscapularis tear.
Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 19, No 2 (February),
2003: pp 131–143
Keywords
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Article Info
Footnotes
*Address correspondence and reprint requests to William F. Bennett, M.D., FOSMI Inc, 5741 Bee Ridge Rd, Suite 470, Sarasota, FL 34233, U.S.A. E-mail: [email protected]
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Copyright
© 2003 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
