Transferencia artroscópica del trapecio inferior en pacientes con rotura irreparable del manguito rotador posterosuperior. Resultados preliminares de ocho pacientes: Arthroscopic Assisted Lower Trapezius Transfer in Patients with Irreparable Posterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tears. Preliminary results of 8 patients.

Abstract

Introduction: the purpose of this study is to compare clinical and functional outcomes of patients with irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears treated by arthroscopic assisted lower trapezius transfer.

Materials and methods: retrospective cohort design of patients with irreparable rotator cuff tear, treated by arthroscopy-assisted lower trapezius transfer. The clinical evolution was evaluated according to the gain in the range of shoulder movement and the decrease of pain. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Constant-Murley score and the subjective shoulder value (SSV).

Results: eight patients were included, with average follow-up of twenty-two months. We obtained a statistically significant gain in active external rotation of 32°, 5-point decrease in the pain scale (VAS), a 31-point increase in the Constant score, and a 38% increase in SSV. There was a 12° increase in active forward elevation, however this was not statistically significant. Two patients had a seroma at the trapezius harvest site, which resolved with conservative treatment.

Conclusion: arthroscopically assisted lower trapezius transfer in patients with irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears were a safe technique that significantly improves external rotation and functional scores in patients.