Level 3 cohort study comparing clinical and radiological outcomes after arthroscopic conversion-and-repair of high-grade partial-thickness rotator cuff tears by tear location — articular-side vs. bursal-side — using the suture-bridge technique in 43 consecutive shoulders at mean 35.5-month follow-up.
When you encounter a high-grade (>50% thickness) partial rotator cuff tear on either the articular or bursal surface that has failed nonoperative management, arthroscopic conversion to a full-thickness tear followed by suture-bridge repair produces excellent, comparable functional outcomes in both locations.
The higher Constant scores in bursal-side repairs likely reflect the benefit of concomitant subacromial decompression rather than a biologically superior healing environment — keep that confound in mind when counseling patients.
Level 3 cohort study comparing clinical and radiological outcomes after arthroscopic conversion-and-repair of high-grade partial-thickness rotator cuff tears by tear location — articular-side vs. bursal-side — using the suture-bridge technique in 43 consecutive shoulders at mean 35.5-month follow-up.
When you encounter a high-grade (>50% thickness) partial rotator cuff tear on either the articular or bursal surface that has failed nonoperative management, arthroscopic conversion to a full-thickness tear followed by suture-bridge repair produces excellent, comparable functional outcomes in both locations.
The higher Constant scores in bursal-side repairs likely reflect the benefit of concomitant subacromial decompression rather than a biologically superior healing environment — keep that confound in mind when counseling patients.