OBJECTIVE:
to evaluate the functional result from arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff injuries in patients with pseudoparalysis, defined as incapacity to actively raise the arm above 90◦ , while complete passive elevation was possible.
METHODS:
we reevaluated 38 patients with a mean follow-up of 51 months (minimum of 24). We analyzed the pseudoparalysis reversion rate and the functional result obtained.
RESULTS:
according to the assessment criteria of the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA), 31 (82%) patients had good and excellent results, two (5%) had fair results and five (13%) had poor results. The mean active elevation went from 39◦ before the operation to 139◦ after the operation (p < 0.05); the mean active lateral rotation went from 30◦ to 48◦ (p < 0.05) and the mean active medial rotation went from level L3 to T12 (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION:
arthroscopic repair of rotator cuff injuries produced good and excellent results in 82% of the cases and a statistically significant improvement of active range of motion, with reversion of the pseudoparalysis in 97.4% of the cases. It is therefore a good treatment option.
Paralysis; Rotator cuff/injuries; Shoulder joint/surgery