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Arthroscopic Repair of Rotator Cuff Injury: An Analysis of Function, Muscular Strength and Pain Between Single Row and Double Row Techniques* * Work developed at the Hospital Ortopédico e Medicina Especializada, Instituto de Pesquisa e Ensino, Brasília, DF, Brazil.

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the patients submitted to arthroscopic repair of the rotator cuff (RC), comparing the functional results, muscle strength, and pain obtained after single row (SR) and double row (DR) techniques.

Methods

Data were collected at the postoperative follow-up (minimum of 12 months) of 128 patients submitted to arthroscopic RC repair from 2011 to 2018. The clinical-functional variables were collected through the clinical examination, and the demographic, surgical and injury variables of the RC were collected from the electronic medical records. The results were compared between the SR and DR groups. Results The DR group showed higher anterior elevation strength when compared with the SR group (SF: 4.72 ± 2.73 kg versus DR: 5.90 ± 2.73 kg; p = 0.017). The other variables of muscle strength, Constant-Murley Score, University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale (UCLA), and pain, were similar. Performing the stratification by size, in the analysis of small and medium injuries, no differences were found between the groups. However, in the analysis of large and extensive injuries, patients submitted to DR presented superiority of both muscle lifting strength (SF: 3.98 ± 2.24 kg versus DR: 6.39 ± 2.73 kg) and Constant score (SF: 81 ± 10 versus DR: 88 ± 7).

Conclusion

The use of the DR technique in arthroscopic RC repair allowed higher levels of muscle strength for anterior shoulder elevation when compared with the SF technique. Data stratification in large and extensive injuries showed superiority of anterior shoulder elevation muscle strength and of the Constant score in patients submitted to DR.

Keywords
rotator cuff; arthroscopy; muscle strength; functional evaluation; shoulder

Resumo

Objetivo

Avaliar os pacientes submetidos ao reparo artroscópico do manguito rotador (MR), comparando-se os resultados funcionais, força muscular e dor obtidos após as técnicas de fileira simples (FS) e de fileira dupla (FD).

Métodos

Foram coletados os dados do seguimento pós-operatório (mínimo de 12 meses) de 128 pacientes submetidos ao reparo artroscópico do MR durante o período de 2011 a 2018. As variáveis clínico-funcionais foram coletadas por meio do exame clínico, e as variáveis demográficas, cirúrgicas e das lesões do MR a partir dos prontuários eletrônicos. Os resultados foram comparados entre os grupos FS e FD. Resultados O grupo FD demonstrou força de elevação anterior maior quando comparado ao grupo FS (FS: 4,72 ± 2,73 kg versus FD:5,90 ± 2,73 kg; p = 0,017). As demais variáveis de força muscular, Constant-Murley Score, University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale (UCLA, na sigla em inglês) e dor foram similares. Realizando-se a estratificação por tamanho, na análise das lesões pequenas e médias, não foram encontradas diferenças entre os grupos. Porém, na análise das lesões grandes e extensas, os pacientes submetidos à FD apresentaram superioridade tanto na força muscular de elevação (FS: 3,98 ± 2,24 kg versus FD: 6,39 ± 2,73 kg) quanto no escore Constant (FS: 81 ± 10 versus FD: 88 ± 7).

Conclusão

A utilização da técnica de FD no reparo artroscópico do MR possibilitou maiores níveis de força muscular para elevação anterior do ombro quando comparada à técnica de FS. A estratificação dos dados em lesões grandes e extensas evidenciou superioridade da força muscular de elevação anterior do ombro e do escore Constant nos pacientes submetidos à FD.

Palavras-chave
manguito rotador; artroscopia; força muscular; avaliação funcional; ombro

Introduction

Rotator cuff (RC) injuries are common in orthopedic practice, corresponding to between 30 to 70% of cases of shoulder pain.11 Sambandam SN, Khanna V, Gul A, Mounasamy V. Rotator cuff tears: An evidence based approach. World J Orthop 2015;6(11): 902-918,22 Carvalho AL, Martinelli F, Tramujas L, Baggio M, Crocetta MS, Martins RO. Rotator cuff injuries and factors associated with reoperation. Rev Bras Ortop 2016;51(03):298-302 The therapeutic arsenal is extensive, encompassing conservative and surgical treatments.33 Dang A, Davies M. Rotator Cuff Disease: Treatment Options and Considerations. Sports Med Arthrosc Rev 2018;26(03):129-133 The surgical method can be performed by means of open technique with minimal incision (“mini open”) or of arthroscopic technique, and in some cases of irreparable injuries associated with RC arthropathy, there is the possibility of reverse shoulder arthroplasty.33 Dang A, Davies M. Rotator Cuff Disease: Treatment Options and Considerations. Sports Med Arthrosc Rev 2018;26(03):129-133,44 Oliva F, Piccirilli E, Bossa M, et al. I.S.Mu.L.T - Rotator Cuff Tears Guidelines. Muscles Ligaments Tendons J 2016;5(04):227-263 In Brazil, according to data from the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DataSUS, in the Portuguese acronym) and considering both open and arthroscopic repair, 50,207 RC repair surgeries were performed in the period from 2003 to 2015.55 Malavolta EA, Assunção JH, Beraldo RA, Pinto GMR, Gracitelli MEC, Ferreira Neto AA. Reparo do manguito rotador no Sistema Único de Saúde: tendência brasileira de 2003 a 2015. Rev Bras Ortop 2017;52(04):501-505 In 2015, the rate of RC repairs was 2.81 procedures per 100,000 inhabitants.55 Malavolta EA, Assunção JH, Beraldo RA, Pinto GMR, Gracitelli MEC, Ferreira Neto AA. Reparo do manguito rotador no Sistema Único de Saúde: tendência brasileira de 2003 a 2015. Rev Bras Ortop 2017;52(04):501-505 These data, however, include only the procedures performed by the SUS, which leads us to infer that the numbers referring to RC repair throughout Brazil are even higher, since the data regarding supplementary health are not publicly aggregated and disclosed.

Once the arthroscopic treatment is established, another point to be decided is the technique of suturing the tendon in the humerus. It can be performed in a single row (SR), double row (DR) or transbone equivalent. In Brazil, the most widespread technique is SR, used by 50.4% of orthopedists, while 26.1% use the DR configuration.66 Vieira FA, Olawa PJ, Belangero PS, Arliani GG, Figueiredo EA, Ejnisman B. Lesão do manguito rotador: tratamento e reabilitação. Perspectivas e tendências atuais. Rev Bras Ortop 2015;50 (06):647-651 When comparing the two techniques, the literature presents divergences, and the studies are not conclusive.77 DeHaan AM, Axelrad TW, Kaye E, Silvestri L, Puskas B, Foster TE. Does double-row rotator cuff repair improve functional outcome of patients compared with single-row technique? A systematic review. Am J Sports Med 2012;40(05):1176-1185

8 Chen M, Xu W, Dong Q, Huang Q, Xie Z, Mao Y. Outcomes of singlerow versus double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence. Arthroscopy 2013;29(08):1437-1449

9 Ying ZM, Lin T, Yan SG. Arthroscopic single-row versus doublerow technique for repairing rotator cuff tears: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Orthop Surg 2014;6(04):300-312
-1010 Sobhy MH, Khater AH, Hassan MR, El Shazly O. Do functional outcomes and cuff integrity correlate after singleversus doublerow rotator cuff repair? A systematic review and meta-analysis study. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 2018;28(04):593-605 DeHaann et al.77 DeHaan AM, Axelrad TW, Kaye E, Silvestri L, Puskas B, Foster TE. Does double-row rotator cuff repair improve functional outcome of patients compared with single-row technique? A systematic review. Am J Sports Med 2012;40(05):1176-1185 and Chen et al.88 Chen M, Xu W, Dong Q, Huang Q, Xie Z, Mao Y. Outcomes of singlerow versus double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence. Arthroscopy 2013;29(08):1437-1449 did not show functional differences between the techniques. Ying et al.99 Ying ZM, Lin T, Yan SG. Arthroscopic single-row versus doublerow technique for repairing rotator cuff tears: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Orthop Surg 2014;6(04):300-312 demonstrated better muscle strength in the group submitted to DR. Sobhy et al. 1010 Sobhy MH, Khater AH, Hassan MR, El Shazly O. Do functional outcomes and cuff integrity correlate after singleversus doublerow rotator cuff repair? A systematic review and meta-analysis study. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 2018;28(04):593-605 determined that, in the short and medium term, the DR group presented significantly better University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale (UCLA) score and that, in the long term, there is a direct correlation between the integrity of the RC and the functional results, with superiority of the DR. On the national scene, the only work, published by Senna et al.,1111 Senna LF, Ramos MRF, Bergamaschi RF. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: single-row vs. double-row - clinical results after one to four years. Rev Bras Ortop 2018;53(04):448-453 there was no statistically significant functional difference between the two methods.

In view of such evidence, it is observed that fixation techniques in SR and DR in arthroscopic repair of RC still present controversial results, especially in Brazil, since there is only one national study on the topic.1111 Senna LF, Ramos MRF, Bergamaschi RF. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: single-row vs. double-row - clinical results after one to four years. Rev Bras Ortop 2018;53(04):448-453 Since the use of more anchors makes the procedure more costly,1212 Huang AL, Thavorn K, van Katwyk S, MacDonald P, Lapner P. Double-Row Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Is More Cost-Effective Than Single-Row Repair. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2017;99(20): 1730-1736 it is necessary to demonstrate whether there is real clinical benefit when using this technique. Therefore, one should expand the study base to prove the superiority of one technique over the other or the equivalence of both.

Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate patients submitted to arthroscopic repair of RC, comparing the results of muscle strength, functional strength, and pain obtained after the SR and DR techniques. Given the above and based on the logic that led to the development of the DR technique (greater

RC area of insertion - footprint -, generating a lower chance of rerupture),1010 Sobhy MH, Khater AH, Hassan MR, El Shazly O. Do functional outcomes and cuff integrity correlate after singleversus doublerow rotator cuff repair? A systematic review and meta-analysis study. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 2018;28(04):593-605,1313 Lo IK, Burkhart SS. Double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: re-establishing the footprint of the rotator cuff. Arthroscopy 2003;19(09):1035-1042 hypothesizing that patients submitted to the DF technique will present superiority in the outcomes analyzed.

Methodology

Study Design and Participants

This is a retrospective cohort study. During the period from 2011 to 2018, 465 patients underwent arthroscopic RC repair. Patients > 18 years old submitted to arthroscopic repair of the RC and with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 12 months were included. Those who underwent other procedures, such as glenoid lip repair, acromioplasty, tenotomy, and biceps tenodesis, as well as those who refused to participate in the study and whose contact was not possible, which characterized loss of follow-up, were excluded. After applying the criteria (inclusion and exclusion), 128 patients agreed to participate in the research and attend the hospital to be reevaluated, totaling 135 shoulders.

Outcome Analysis

The primary outcome was the postoperative functional scores, UCLA and Constant-Murley Score (Constant), and as secondary outcomes the variables of strength, range of motion (ROM), and postoperative pain.

Methods and Instruments

Data collection during the postoperative follow-up was performed in two stages: firstconsultation of medical records for collection of demographics, surgical descriptions, and RC injuries; and second - clinical evaluation with collection of functional variables, muscle strength, and pain.

Demographic and characterization data of RC injury were obtained through analysis of electronic medical records. The variables collected were: age, gender, dominance and laterality, follow-up time, smoking, diabetes mellitus, type of rupture (total or partial), classification of the injury (small, medium, large or extensive for complete injuries, and bursal, articular or intratendinous for partial injuries), mechanism of injury (traumatic or degenerative), tendons addressed, type of fixation (SR or DR), and number of anchors used in the surgical treatment. The complete injuries were classified, according to the measurement of their largest diameter, as small (< 1 cm), medium (1 to 3 cm), large (3 to 5 cm), and extensive ( 5 cm).1414 Davidson J, Burkhart SS. The geometric classification of rotator cuff tears: a system linking tear pattern to treatment and prognosis. Arthroscopy 2010;26(03):417-424,1515 Andrade RP, Correa Filho MRC, Queiroz BC. Lesões do manguito rotador. Rev Bras Ortop 2004;39(11/12):621-635 Extensive injuries, however, can be defined both by the criterion mentioned, 5 cm, and by the complete rupture of 2tendons.1515 Andrade RP, Correa Filho MRC, Queiroz BC. Lesões do manguito rotador. Rev Bras Ortop 2004;39(11/12):621-635 The size and classification of the injuries were obtained from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or surgical descriptions. When there was divergence between the MRI report and the surgical description, the intraoperative description was considered.

The second moment of evaluation was performed in person, when the strength (kg) and amplitude (°) of the lifting, lateral rotation, and medial rotation of the shoulder were measured. Strength was measured by a digital dynamometer and measured in Kg, while amplitude was measured by goniometry and measured in degrees. In addition, during this evaluation, the functional UCLA1616 Amstutz HC, Sew Hoy AL, Clarke IC. UCLA anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1981;(155):7-20 and Constant1717 Constant CR, Murley AH. A clinical method of functional assessment of the shoulder. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1987;(214):160-164 capacity scores were applied, together with the collection of pain data, using the visual analog scale.1818 Scott J, Huskisson EC. Graphic representation of pain. Pain 1976;2 (02):175-184 The scales mentioned above (UCLA and Constant) were translated to Portuguese and culturally adapted to the Brazilian population,1919 Barreto RP, Barbosa ML, Balbinotti MA, Mothes FC, da Rosa LH, Silva MF. The Brazilian version of the Constant-Murley Score (CMS-BR): convergent and construct validity, internal consistency, and unidimensionality. Rev Bras Ortop 2016;51(05):515-520,2020 Oku EC, Andrade AP, Stadiniky SP, Carrera EF, Tellini GG. Tradução e adaptação cultural do Modified-University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale para a língua portuguesa. Rev Bras Reumatol 2006;46(04):246-252 and are frequently used to evaluate the function of the upper limbs in patients with RC injuries.1010 Sobhy MH, Khater AH, Hassan MR, El Shazly O. Do functional outcomes and cuff integrity correlate after singleversus doublerow rotator cuff repair? A systematic review and meta-analysis study. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 2018;28(04):593-605,1111 Senna LF, Ramos MRF, Bergamaschi RF. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: single-row vs. double-row - clinical results after one to four years. Rev Bras Ortop 2018;53(04):448-453,2121 Carbonel I, Martinez AA, Calvo A, Ripalda J, Herrera A. Single-row versus double-row arthroscopic repair in the treatment of rotator cuff tears: a prospective randomized clinical study. Int Orthop 2012;36(09):1877-1883

22 Godinho GG, França FdeO, Freitas JM, et al. Result from arthroscopic surgical treatment of renewed tearing of the rotator cuff of the shoulder. Rev Bras Ortop 2015;50(01):89-93
-2323 Miyazaki AN, da Silva LA, Santos PD, Checchia SL, Cohen C, Giora TS. Evaluation of the results from arthroscopic surgical treatment of rotator cuff injuries in patients aged 65 years and over. Rev Bras Ortop 2015;50(03):305-311

After tabulation of the data, the individuals were divided into two groups, based on the surgical fixation technique used: SR and DR.

Surgical Procedure

The surgeries were performed by specialist surgeons and with extensive experience in the subject. The SR fixation technique was performed through the technique in which the tendon is tied, by means of simple stitches, to the anchors arranged in a single row.2424 Gilotra M, O’Brien MJ, Savoie FH 3rd. Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Indication and Technique. Instr Course Lect 2016;65:83-92 The DR fixation technique was described by Lo et al.,1313 Lo IK, Burkhart SS. Double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: re-establishing the footprint of the rotator cuff. Arthroscopy 2003;19(09):1035-1042 consisting of a medial row of anchors tied with "U" points and another lateral row of anchors tied with simple points. The procedures were performed in the "beach chair" position.

It is known that, in our country, the cost of surgical material is a limiting factor. The intention of the surgeon when requesting approval to perform the procedure was always to perform DR fixation; however, the number of anchors authorized is not always enough for the DR procedure. When that was the case, we opted for the SP technique. Therefore, since all selected injuries were susceptible to treatment by DR, the factor that directed to one technique or another was the availability of materials.

All patients with partial injuries were submitted to conservative treatment for at least 3 months. When there was no good response to this therapy, surgical treatment was indicated.

Those who presented irreparability criteria were submitted to other surgical techniques other than arthroscopic and, therefore, were not included in the study.

Postoperative Rehabilitation

Postoperative rehabilitation was performed through maintenance in a simple Velpeau sling for 6 weeks, and active movement of the elbow, the wrist and the hand was stimulated from the immediate postoperative period. After the 6th week, gain of active movement began. Finally, after the 12th week, muscle strengthening was started.

Ethical Approvals

All patients signed the Informed Consent Form. The present study was submitted to the evaluation and approval of the Ethics and Research Committee with Human Beings, with opinion number 2,444,726, CAAE: 80401317.3.0000.0023.

Statistics

Descriptive analysis was carried out, expressed by the measures of central tendency and dispersion appropriate for the numerical data and by the frequency and percentage for the categorical data. For the numerical variables, the Shapiro-Wilk normality test was initially performed. For the variables that did not present normal distribution, the statistical analysis was performed by means of the Mann-Whitney nonparametric test, and for those that presented normal distribution, the Student t-test was used. For categorical variables, the Fisher chi-squared or exact tests were used, depending on the number of categories of the random variable.

Subsequently, the sample was stratified into the following subgroups: one - small and medium injuries; and two - large and extensive injuries. From this, new comparations were made of functional results and muscle strength of SR and DR techniques within these stratifications.

Multiple linear regression analysis was also performed to evaluate whether the characteristics of the patients or of the injuries had an influence on clinical-functional results. The correlated variables were follow-up time, age, dominance, injury size, injury etiology, diabetes, and smoking.

The significance determination criterion adopted was at the level of 5%. Statistical analysis was processed IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk. NY, USA).

Results

Demographic and Surgical Characteristics Among Groups

From 2011 to 2018, 465 patients underwent arthroscopic RC repair. From these, 147 were excluded because they underwent other procedures during surgery, 8 died, and 182 refused to participate or it was not possible to contact them.

The sample consisted of 135 shoulders (128 patients). From these, 94 (69.6%) correspond to the cases operated by the SR technique and 41 (30.4%) by DR. The mean follow-up time was 46.5 months, and there was no statistically significant difference between the SR and DR groups. When the demographic characteristics and the surgical profile were compared between the groups, a statistically significant difference was observed for age (SR: 59 ± 9 versus DR: 55 ± 8), higher in the SR group (p = 0.010), and for the number of anchors used (SR:3 ± 1 versus DR: 4 ± 1), higher in the DR group (p = 0.012). The other variables were statistically similar and are shown in ►Table 1.

Table 1
Sample characterization

Characteristics of Rotator Cuff Injuries Between Groups

Regarding the type of injury, both groups showed predominance of cases of total ruptures (SR: 83% versus DR: 82.9%). Among the partial ruptures, the bursals were the majority and there was no intrasubstantial case. Regarding the size of the total injuries, the SR group presented a higher percentage of extensive injuries (34.6%), while in the DR group mean injuries presented a higher percentage (32.4%). However, these differences between the groups regarding the percentage of each injury did not present statistical significance (p = 0.136). The full description of the data is set out in ►Table 2.

Table 2
Characterization and comparison of rotator cuff injuries (partial and total) between the Single Row (SR) and Double Row (DR) groups

Comparison of Muscle Strength, Function and Pain Variables between Groups

A statistically significant difference was observed in the anterior shoulder elevation force between the groups (p = 0.017). The DR group showed higher strength levels when compared with the SR group regarding anterior elevation (SF: 4.72 ± 2.73 kg versus DR: 5.90 ± 2.73 kg). The other variables of muscle strength and function (ROM and reported functional capacity questionnaires) were similar (p > 0.05) (►Table 3).

Table 3
Comparison of functional variables, muscle strength, and pain between the Single Row (SR) and Double Row (DR) groups

Regarding pain at follow-up, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (►Table 3). However, it was possible to observe that, in both groups, > 50% of the patients did not present pain during the clinical evaluation at the postoperative follow-up.

Multiple linear regression analysis showed no relationship between clinical-functional results and the variables follow-up time, dominance, injury size, injury etiology, diabetes, and smoking. However, the age of the patients was correlated with the results of lifting force, lateral rotation, and medial rotation.

Comparison of Functional Variables and Muscle Strength Stratified by Total Injury Size Performing the analysis in a stratified manner, the functional and muscle strength results were compared between the groups (SR and DR), stratified in small/medium injuries and large/extensive injuries.

In the analysis for small and medium injuries, no differences were found between the groups (►Table 4). However, in the analysis of large and extensive injuries, patients submitted to DR presented an advantage both in muscle lifting strength (SF: 3.98 ± 2.24 kg versus DR: 6.39 ± 2.73 kg) and in the Constant score (SF: 81 ± 10 versus DR: 88 ± 7) (►Table 5).

Table 4
Comparison of functional and muscle strength variables between the Single Row (SR) and Double Row (DR) groups, stratified in small and medium rotator cuff injuries
Table 5
Comparison of functional and muscular strength variables between Single Row (SR) and Double Row (DR) groups, stratified in large and extensive rotator cuff injuries

Discussion

Analyzing the characteristics of the sample, the only variable that presented statistically significant difference between the groups was age, which was higher in the SR group. In both groups, the mean value was compatible with the literature.66 Vieira FA, Olawa PJ, Belangero PS, Arliani GG, Figueiredo EA, Ejnisman B. Lesão do manguito rotador: tratamento e reabilitação. Perspectivas e tendências atuais. Rev Bras Ortop 2015;50 (06):647-651,2222 Godinho GG, França FdeO, Freitas JM, et al. Result from arthroscopic surgical treatment of renewed tearing of the rotator cuff of the shoulder. Rev Bras Ortop 2015;50(01):89-93 This age difference is important because the profile of RC ruptures varies widely according to age group,2525 Lazarides AL, Alentorn-Geli E, Choi JH, et al. Rotator cuff tears in young patients: a different disease than rotator cuff tears in elderly patients. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2015;24(11):1834-1843 and injuries in the elderly are generally degenerative.2525 Lazarides AL, Alentorn-Geli E, Choi JH, et al. Rotator cuff tears in young patients: a different disease than rotator cuff tears in elderly patients. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2015;24(11):1834-1843 This type of injury, in general, presents a higher degree of fatty infiltration, a variable that correlates with worse outcomes, since it indicates poor tendon quality and increases the risk of reruptures.2626 McElvany MD, McGoldrick E, Gee AO, Neradilek MB, Matsen FA 3rd. Rotator cuff repair: published evidence on factors associated with repair integrity and clinical outcome. Am J Sports Med 2015;43(02): 491-500

Regarding gender, both groups had mostly females. This data is in line with what is presented in the literature, which indicates that, in general, patients undergoing arthroscopic repair of the RC are mostly women.22 Carvalho AL, Martinelli F, Tramujas L, Baggio M, Crocetta MS, Martins RO. Rotator cuff injuries and factors associated with reoperation. Rev Bras Ortop 2016;51(03):298-302,1111 Senna LF, Ramos MRF, Bergamaschi RF. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: single-row vs. double-row - clinical results after one to four years. Rev Bras Ortop 2018;53(04):448-453,2323 Miyazaki AN, da Silva LA, Santos PD, Checchia SL, Cohen C, Giora TS. Evaluation of the results from arthroscopic surgical treatment of rotator cuff injuries in patients aged 65 years and over. Rev Bras Ortop 2015;50(03):305-311 In both groups, the dominant shoulder was the most operated, a majority also found in other national studies.22 Carvalho AL, Martinelli F, Tramujas L, Baggio M, Crocetta MS, Martins RO. Rotator cuff injuries and factors associated with reoperation. Rev Bras Ortop 2016;51(03):298-302,2323 Miyazaki AN, da Silva LA, Santos PD, Checchia SL, Cohen C, Giora TS. Evaluation of the results from arthroscopic surgical treatment of rotator cuff injuries in patients aged 65 years and over. Rev Bras Ortop 2015;50(03):305-311

Biomechanical studies emphasize the potential increase in the contact area in footprint and maximization of repair forces in DR, which can decrease the rate of anatomical failure.2727 Meier SW, Meier JD. The effect of double-row fixation on initial repair strength in rotator cuff repair: a biomechanical study. Arthroscopy 2006;22(11):1168-1173,2828 Smith CD, Alexander S, Hill AM, et al. A biomechanical comparison of single and double-row fixation in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2006;88(11): 2425-2431 However, in an analysis of clinical outcomes, controversies still persist.77 DeHaan AM, Axelrad TW, Kaye E, Silvestri L, Puskas B, Foster TE. Does double-row rotator cuff repair improve functional outcome of patients compared with single-row technique? A systematic review. Am J Sports Med 2012;40(05):1176-1185

8 Chen M, Xu W, Dong Q, Huang Q, Xie Z, Mao Y. Outcomes of singlerow versus double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence. Arthroscopy 2013;29(08):1437-1449

9 Ying ZM, Lin T, Yan SG. Arthroscopic single-row versus doublerow technique for repairing rotator cuff tears: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Orthop Surg 2014;6(04):300-312
-1010 Sobhy MH, Khater AH, Hassan MR, El Shazly O. Do functional outcomes and cuff integrity correlate after singleversus doublerow rotator cuff repair? A systematic review and meta-analysis study. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 2018;28(04):593-605 In this sense, we compared the results of muscle strength, function and pain of patients after arthroscopic RC repair with SR and DR. Our results confirm, in part, the initial hypothesis. We showed greater muscle strength of anterior elevation in patients submitted to DR repair. However, the other variables of muscle strength, function, and pain were similar between the techniques.

Sobhy et al.1010 Sobhy MH, Khater AH, Hassan MR, El Shazly O. Do functional outcomes and cuff integrity correlate after singleversus doublerow rotator cuff repair? A systematic review and meta-analysis study. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 2018;28(04):593-605 concluded that, in the short (minimum of 12 months of follow-up) and medium (minimum of 24 months) terms, patients treated with the DR technique had significantly higher UCLA scores. In addition, the authors identified that, in the long term, there is a direct correlation between the integrity of the RC and the functional results, with superiority of the DR technique. Thus, when analyzing the functional results, the integrity of the tendon submitted to the procedure is indirectly verified, reducing, in part, the impact of not performing imaging tests in the present study. Similarly, Ying et al.99 Ying ZM, Lin T, Yan SG. Arthroscopic single-row versus doublerow technique for repairing rotator cuff tears: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Orthop Surg 2014;6(04):300-312 identified higher values of muscle strength in patients submitted to the DR technique. In the present study, we identified greater muscle strength in the shoulder elevation movement in patients who underwent the DR technique. However, the results of function and pain were similar between the groups. The greater area of insertion of the tendon in the humerus provided by the DR technique leads to a greater chance of the repaired tendon being intact at follow-up. This integrity is directly related to the strength gain of the respective muscle.1010 Sobhy MH, Khater AH, Hassan MR, El Shazly O. Do functional outcomes and cuff integrity correlate after singleversus doublerow rotator cuff repair? A systematic review and meta-analysis study. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 2018;28(04):593-605,2222 Godinho GG, França FdeO, Freitas JM, et al. Result from arthroscopic surgical treatment of renewed tearing of the rotator cuff of the shoulder. Rev Bras Ortop 2015;50(01):89-93,2929 Tudisco C, Bisicchia S, Savarese E, et al. Single-row vs. double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: clinical and 3 Tesla MR arthrography results. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2013;14:43,3030 Shen C, Tang ZH, Hu JZ, Zou GY, Xiao RC. Incidence of retear with double-row versus single-row rotator cuff repair. Orthopedics 2014;37(11):e1006-e1013

Furthermore, with the objective of identifying greater benefits for specific groups of patients, stratification by large and extensive injuries allowed the visualization of the greater effectiveness of the DR technique in the variables of muscle strength (anterior elevation of the shoulder) and in the Constant score. However, we did not observe a statistical difference in the outcomes analyzed when comparing the techniques in small and medium injuries. Regarding the differences between the two scores used, although the UCLA includes lifting force,1616 Amstutz HC, Sew Hoy AL, Clarke IC. UCLA anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1981;(155):7-20 the Constant score presents more variables in its composition, mainly a greater variety of movements and daily activities,1717 Constant CR, Murley AH. A clinical method of functional assessment of the shoulder. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1987;(214):160-164 which may have led to the different results between these scales.

Similarly, two randomized clinical trials showed better results with the DR technique in patients with injuries > 3 cm.2121 Carbonel I, Martinez AA, Calvo A, Ripalda J, Herrera A. Single-row versus double-row arthroscopic repair in the treatment of rotator cuff tears: a prospective randomized clinical study. Int Orthop 2012;36(09):1877-1883,3131 Ma HL, Chiang ER, Wu HT, et al. Clinical outcome and imaging of arthroscopic single-row and double-row rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized trial. Arthroscopy 2012;28(01): 16-24 Carbonel et al.2121 Carbonel I, Martinez AA, Calvo A, Ripalda J, Herrera A. Single-row versus double-row arthroscopic repair in the treatment of rotator cuff tears: a prospective randomized clinical study. Int Orthop 2012;36(09):1877-1883 found better results in the UCLA and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, while Ma et al.3131 Ma HL, Chiang ER, Wu HT, et al. Clinical outcome and imaging of arthroscopic single-row and double-row rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized trial. Arthroscopy 2012;28(01): 16-24 observed significantly higher strength in groups submitted to DR. As previously stated, the DR fixation technique leads to a greater integrity of the tendon in the postoperative period.1010 Sobhy MH, Khater AH, Hassan MR, El Shazly O. Do functional outcomes and cuff integrity correlate after singleversus doublerow rotator cuff repair? A systematic review and meta-analysis study. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 2018;28(04):593-605,2929 Tudisco C, Bisicchia S, Savarese E, et al. Single-row vs. double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: clinical and 3 Tesla MR arthrography results. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2013;14:43,3030 Shen C, Tang ZH, Hu JZ, Zou GY, Xiao RC. Incidence of retear with double-row versus single-row rotator cuff repair. Orthopedics 2014;37(11):e1006-e1013 When analyzing the factors that lead to new ruptures, it is well reported that the initial size of the injury is a significant factor of influence on tendon healing, and that the relative risk of rerupture increases 2.29-fold for every additional centimeter in the size of the injury.3232 Nho SJ, Brown BS, Lyman S, Adler RS, Altchek DW, MacGillivray JD. Prospective analysis of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: prognostic factors affecting clinical and ultrasound outcome. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2009;18(01):13-20,3333 Bedeir YH, Jimenez AE, Grawe BM. Recurrent tears of the rotator cuff: Effect of repair technique and management options. Orthop Rev (Pavia) 2018;10(02):7593 This finding may explain the fact that larger injuries benefit more from the DR technique. Since, of course, larger injuries tend to present higher chances of new injuries,3232 Nho SJ, Brown BS, Lyman S, Adler RS, Altchek DW, MacGillivray JD. Prospective analysis of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: prognostic factors affecting clinical and ultrasound outcome. J Shoulder Elbow Surg 2009;18(01):13-20 a technique that offers greater postoperative integrity can bring better results1010 Sobhy MH, Khater AH, Hassan MR, El Shazly O. Do functional outcomes and cuff integrity correlate after singleversus doublerow rotator cuff repair? A systematic review and meta-analysis study. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 2018;28(04):593-605,2929 Tudisco C, Bisicchia S, Savarese E, et al. Single-row vs. double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: clinical and 3 Tesla MR arthrography results. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2013;14:43,3030 Shen C, Tang ZH, Hu JZ, Zou GY, Xiao RC. Incidence of retear with double-row versus single-row rotator cuff repair. Orthopedics 2014;37(11):e1006-e1013 However, in smaller injuries, this benefit is not so evident, since simple fixation would be sufficient to ensure good postoperative results.

In view of the above, it is concluded that the DR technique presents superiority only in the shoulder lifting force. However, when performing an analysis stratified by the size of the injuries, the DR fixation technique presented better results for patients with injuries > 3 cm (large and extensive). Therefore, it seems essential to analyze the size of the injury when opting for one fixation technique over the other.

Regarding the negative points of DR, in addition to the increase in the cost and in the duration of surgery, this technique has specific complications, such as the place where the repair failure occurs.3434 Schmidt CC, Jarrett CD, Brown BT. Management of rotator cuff tears. J Hand Surg Am 2015;40(02):399-408 While in the SR technique the failure occurs at the repair site, in DR they occur in the muscle-tendon junction, being, therefore, a more serious complication, whose treatment is challenging.3333 Bedeir YH, Jimenez AE, Grawe BM. Recurrent tears of the rotator cuff: Effect of repair technique and management options. Orthop Rev (Pavia) 2018;10(02):7593

Among the strengths of the present study, we highlight the postoperative analysis performed with several variables of shoulder functionality, as well as the stratification of cases according to the size of the injury, which made it possible to identify a subgroup of patients who presented greater benefit with the use of the DR technique.

Among the limitations of the present study, there is heterogeneity regarding the age variable, which can influence the analysis of the results, since patients submitted to SR had a higher mean age. In addition, it is worth noting the absence of analysis regarding the cost of the techniques, since the fixation in DR needs greater use of anchors. This is a parameter that needs to be correlated with functional improvement to establish the real cost-benefit of this procedure in future studies.

Moreover, there are limitations regarding the design of the study, which is retrospective and observational, which, therefore, does not allow to reach a conclusion regarding the superiority of one technique or of the other, but rather to raise hypotheses that should be confirmed through clinical trials. Another limitation refers to the nonevaluation of prognostic factors in the preoperative period, such as muscle trophism and the degree of fatty infiltration, as well as the absence of evaluation of postoperative imaging tests.

Conclusion

The use of the DR technique in arthroscopic RC repair allowed better functional results, especially in cases of large and extensive injuries, with superiority in the anterior elevation force and in the Constant score, when compared with patients submitted to the SR technique.

  • Financial Support
    There was no financial support from public, commercial, or non-profit sources.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    26 July 2022
  • Date of issue
    2022

History

  • Received
    29 July 2020
  • Accepted
    23 Apr 2021
  • Published
    21 Jan 2022
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