OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of arthroscopic treatment for rotator cuff tears. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out demonstrating the results of this technique in 42 patients operated between 2002 and 2006. The mean follow-up was 31 months and average age was 57 years. The dominant limb was operated in 73.8% of cases. Function and pain were evaluated using criteria of UCLA Score System and Visual Analogic Scale respectively. RESULTS: The results were satisfactory in 85.7% (59.5% excellent and 26.2% good), with 14.3% unsatisfactory. The most frequent associated lesion was the long head of the biceps tendon (57.1%). Nevertheless, the presence of other lesions did not alter the end results. The same occurred in relation to age and follow-up period. When comparing large and massive tears with small and mid-sized ones, the first group had significantly inferior functional results. The function was worse in cases of massive tear. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair provides lower surgical morbidity and intrarticular diagnosis of associated lesions in comparison to open surgery. The benefit of the procedure was confirmed mainly by pain relief, even in cases of more extensive lesions.
Rotator cuff; Shoulder; Arthroscopy
