Editorial Commentary: Superior Capsule Reconstruction: Graft Healing for Success.

Abstract

In my experience, after superior capsule reconstruction for irreparable rotator cuff tears, if the graft heals, we can expect a successful outcome, such as an American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score of more than 90 points and a visual analog scale score of less than 1.0. To decrease the graft tear rate after surgery, I have found that a thicker, stiffer graft than can be achieved with a dermal allograft alone is required to restore superior stability in the glenohumeral joint. Furthermore, the graft size should be determined precisely from the size of the defect in the rotator cuff tendons.