Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results of bioabsorbable tacks
(Suretac; Smith & Nephew Endoscopy, Mansfield, MA) for the arthroscopic repair of
full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Type of Study: Prospective case series. Methods: A prospective clinical review was performed on 53 patients (38 men, 15 women) with
full-thickness rotator cuff tears repaired arthroscopically using bioabsorbable tacks.
Minimum follow-up was 24 months and patients were evaluated using preoperative and
postoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) scores and Short-Form 36
Health Surveys (SF-36). A Constant and Murley score was performed at a minimum of
2 years postoperatively. Results: The average patient age was 51 years (range, 23 to 74 years) and the average time
for review was 29 months (range, 24 to 60 months). The average size of rotator cuff
tears measured 2.5 cm (range, 1 to 5 cm) and an average of 2 Suretacs (range, 1 to
4) were used for the repair. Ten patients had tears larger than 3 cm and 5 patients
had tears that measured 5 cm or larger. The average total score according to the ASES
shoulder index improved from 33 to 85 points. The average score for pain improved
from 6.9 to 1.3 points. The score for function improved from 11 to 25 points. These
results were statistically significant (P < 0.01). There was a significant improvement in all components of the SF-36 survey.
The average postoperative Constant score was 87 with the pain component measuring
12 points, range of movement 38 points, and power 21 points. Conclusions: Arthroscopic repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears using bioabsorbable tacks
produces satisfactory outcomes with regard to objective orthopaedic criteria as well
as overall patient satisfaction in terms of pain relief and function. Arthroscopic
rotator cuff repairs are technically demanding procedures. The use of tacks facilitates
this procedure without any apparent deterioration in clinical results. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.
Key Words
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© 2005 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
