Functional Evaluation of the Results of Repair of Partial and Complete Rotator Cuff Tears

Abstract

Objective: To perform a comparative analysis of the results of arthroscopic surgical treatment of partial and complete rotator cuff (RC) injuries. Methods: Eighty-four shoulders with partial or complete RC tear that underwent arthroscopic repair were retrospectively evaluated using UCLA and Constant scores, assessment of strength, and range of motion. Fifty-seven shoulders with complete injuries and 27 with partial injuries were identified. Results: Age (p = 0.007) was higher in those with complete lesions (mean 61.4 ± 7.9 years), compared to those with partial lesions (mean 56.5 ± 7.1 years). The complete injuries group showed a higher elevation difference in relation to the contralateral shoulder compared to the partial injuries group (partial injuries: −1.1% vs complete injuries: −16.5%), statistically significant difference (p = 0.0004). In addition, complete lesions presented 96.5% of excellent and good results and a median of 35 in the UCLA score and partial lesions presented 84.6% of good/ excellent results and a median of 34. The Constant score showed 91.2% of satisfactory results in complete lesions and 77% in partial ones. Conclusion: Arthroscopic repair shows satisfactory functional results for both partial and complete rotator cuff injuries, with similar outcomes between groups. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Comparative Study.