Publication:

Longitudinal follow up of patients undergoing mini-open repair of rotator cuff tear

Background Shoulder pain is a common presenting complaint. This study is aimed to understand the role of mini-open repair in the treatment of rotator cuff tear and to assess the functional outcome in such patients over a period of two years.

Methods This prospective study was conducted on patients who were operated by mini-open repair for rotator cuff tear at the Department of Orthopedics, AJ Institute of Medical Sciences January 2017 till June 2018. Using a pre-designed case report form, demographic and clinical information was noted for all patients. Functional outcome of the patients was assessed by the Constant and Murley score at post-operative follow up at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years.

Results Partial thickness tear was present in 57% of the pateints and rest had a full thickness tear. Mean Constant and Murley score at the time of presentation was 59.50 which improved during the follow up period and at the final follow up the score was 91.80. The score was not significantly different at one year and second year follow up. The score was consistently higher among patients with partial thickness as compared to those with full thickness, though the difference was significantly different only at 6 month follow up (p=0.007).

Conclusions Significant improvement in range of motion was seen in our patients at 6 months post-operatively. Full range of motion was observed at the end of 1 year and functional outcome did not improve after that.