A modified Neer acromioplasty, subacromial decompression, and débridement of massive, irreparable lesions of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons was performed in 57 patients. 50 patients (53 shoulders) were followed for an average of 6 and one-half years. The average age of the patients was 60 years (range, 38 to 74 years). The results, as rated on the basis of pain, function, range of motion, strength, and satisfaction of the patient, were satisfactory in 44 shoulders (83 per cent) and unsatisfactory in 9 (17 per cent). A favorable outcome was observed in shoulders in which both the anterior portion of the deltoid muscle and the long head of the biceps tendon were intact and in which a previous acromioplasties or operations on the rotator cuff had been performed. An unsatisfactory outcome was observed in shoulders in which the anterior part of the deltoid muscle was weak or absent or in which a previous acromioplasty and attempted repair of the rotator cuff had been performed. The active forward flexion of the shoulder improved from an average of 105 degrees preoperatively to an average of 140 degrees postoperatively. The results of the present study suggest that, with proper rehabilitation, adequate decompression of the subacromial space, anterior acromioplasty, and débridement of massive tears of the rotator cuff can lead to the relief of pain and the restoration of shoulder function.
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A modified Neer acromioplasty, subacromial decompression, and débridement of massive, irreparable lesions of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons was performed in 57 patients. 50 patients (53 shoulders) were followed for an average of 6 and one-half years. The average age of the patients was 60 years (range, 38 to 74 years). The results, as rated on the basis of pain, function, range of motion, strength, and satisfaction of the patient, were satisfactory in 44 shoulders (83 per cent) and unsatisfactory in 9 (17 per cent). A favorable outcome was observed in shoulders in which both the anterior portion of the deltoid muscle and the long head of the biceps tendon were intact and in which a previous acromioplasties or operations on the rotator cuff had been performed. An unsatisfactory outcome was observed in shoulders in which the anterior part of the deltoid muscle was weak or absent or in which a previous acromioplasty and attempted repair of the rotator cuff had been performed. The active forward flexion of the shoulder improved from an average of 105 degrees preoperatively to an average of 140 degrees postoperatively. The results of the present study suggest that, with proper rehabilitation, adequate decompression of the subacromial space, anterior acromioplasty, and débridement of massive tears of the rotator cuff can lead to the relief of pain and the restoration of shoulder function.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.