Two-year results of double row repair for medium sized rotator cuff tear in elderly patients

Background: Rotator cuff tears are treated surgically when conservative treatment methods fail. Since osteoporosis is common and the cuff is degenerative in nature, it may be a challenge to treat the tears surgically in the elderly. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results rotator cuff repair with double row two anchors (one medial and one lateral) for middle sized tears in patients over 65years old.Methods: 18 patients who are over 65years old treated arthroscopically for medium sized rotator cuff tear were included in the study. Inclusion criteria were patients with MR findings and physical findings consistent with medium sized (1-3cm) rotator cuff tears, patients with follow up period of at least 2years. All of the patients were repaired using (two anchors, one medially and one laterally placed) double row technique arthroscopically. The patients were evaluated with constant Murley score and ASES scores. All these measurements (both ROM and functional tests) were performed preoperatively and at postoperative third sixth months, first year and after second year.Results: Mean age of the patients was 69.3 (±2.6). The mean follows up period was 34months (±4.1) Preoperative mean forward flexion and external rotation were 127.3±25.3º and 48.9±14.6º respectively. The preoperative mean internal rotation was 9.1±6.9º. Preoperative mean ASES score was 59.1º (±9.6) and mean constant score was 53.7º (±11.2). At the last follow up mean forward flexion was 158.3º (±17.9), external rotation was 63.2º (±11.4) and internal rotation was 9.3º (±7.3). Mean ASES score and constant score of the patients were 84.3 (±9.1) and 77.3 (±10.8) in the last follow up.Conclusions: It is possible to obtain good results in medium sized rotator cuff tears in patients over 65years old particularly if fatty degeneration over grade II has not prevailed.