This 2018 narrative review by Frank et al. synthesizes the biomechanical basis, patient selection criteria, step-by-step surgical technique, rehabilitation protocol, and early clinical outcomes for superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) — an arthroscopic, joint-preserving option for massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears in patients too young or active for reverse arthroplasty.
When evaluating a patient with a massive irreparable cuff tear who is too young for reverse arthroplasty, SCR is viable only with Hamada 1–2 arthropathy and an intact subscapularis — check both before committing to the procedure.
Counsel patients preoperatively that pain relief is more predictable than functional restoration, and that graft integrity at follow-up is not guaranteed even in the best early series.
This 2018 narrative review by Frank et al. synthesizes the biomechanical basis, patient selection criteria, step-by-step surgical technique, rehabilitation protocol, and early clinical outcomes for superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) — an arthroscopic, joint-preserving option for massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears in patients too young or active for reverse arthroplasty.
When evaluating a patient with a massive irreparable cuff tear who is too young for reverse arthroplasty, SCR is viable only with Hamada 1–2 arthropathy and an intact subscapularis — check both before committing to the procedure.
Counsel patients preoperatively that pain relief is more predictable than functional restoration, and that graft integrity at follow-up is not guaranteed even in the best early series.