Presented at the AOA Annual Scientific Meeting
Dr Praveen Vijaysegaran presented the early results of arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) combined with rotator cuff repair at the Australian Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting in Canberra.
The problem being addressed
Published series, including large international studies such as the UKUFF trial, report retear rates of 30 to 40% after repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears, taking small and large tears together. For large tears specifically, published retear rates are considerably higher, in the range of 50 to 75%. Individual results vary.
Those figures are the reason for interest in techniques that might improve the chance of a large or massive tear healing.
What superior capsular reconstruction adds
Superior capsular reconstruction combined with cuff repair was first described by Teru Mihata of Osaka, Japan. The principle is to bridge or reinforce the deficient superior capsule with a graft, in addition to repairing the cuff tendon itself, so that the repair is not relying on compromised tendon alone.
Dr Cutbush has used the technique for large and massive tears since visiting Dr Mihata in late 2017.
The data presented
The initial data was prepared by fellows Dr Kristine Italia, now practising in Manila, the Philippines, and Dr Praveen Vijaysegaran. Early results of the combined approach were the subject of the presentation in Canberra. Individual results vary, and early series of this kind are a starting point rather than a settled answer.
Congratulations to Dr Vijaysegaran on the presentation.
Related information
See our pages on rotator cuff tear and rotator cuff repair, and our posts on rotator cuff repairs and retear and the failed rotator cuff.