Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review. 18(3):188-197, SEPTEMBER 2010
DOI: 10.1097/JSA.0b013e3181eb6cc1
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PMID: 20711051
Issn Print: 1062-8592
Publication Date: September 2010
Management of the Failed Rotator Cuff Surgery: Causation and Management
Jeffrey Abrams;
+ Author Information
*Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seton Hall University, School of Graduate Medicine, Orange†Department of Surgery, University Medical Center at Princeton‡Princeton Orthopaedics and Rehabilitative Medicine, Princeton, NJ
Abstract
Rotator cuff repair is a common orthopedic procedure. Techniques have evolved from open procedures to an arthroscopic (assisted) procedure in many patients. Tendon healing is anticipated, but complications may occur. There is approximately 90% patient satisfaction with index surgery, but imaging studies reveal defect recurrence in approximately one-third of the larger tears. For patients who are limited by pain, revision surgery is considered. Newer techniques of stabilizing the damaged structures, combined with delay in rehabilitation, improved the number of successful surgeries. Revision surgery for pain relief is promising when causes of persistent pain have been identified. Strength deficits may persist, particularly if permanent atrophy and fatty infiltration within the cuff muscles are demonstrated preoperatively.