Editorial Commentary: Optimizing Indications for Shoulder Superior Capsular Reconstruction: Choose the Right Patient at the Right Time!

Abstract

Superior capsular reconstruction has gained popularity for the management of massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears in young patients with minimal glenohumeral arthritis. Short-term outcomes show significant improvements in pain and function. However, the failure rate has been reported to range from 3% to 36%, with higher failure rates in women and patients with subscapularis tears, a greater body mass index, lower preoperative forward flexion, a lower preoperative acromiohumeral distance, subscapularis atrophy, and advanced rotator cuff arthropathy. Inadequate restoration of the acromiohumeral distance and poor integrity of posterior remnant tissue postoperatively have also been associated with an increased risk of retear. Currently accepted indications include younger patients (aged < 65-70 years) with irreparable, massive rotator cuff tears involving the supraspinatus and infraspinatus with minimal arthritis, an intact or repairable subscapularis, and a functional deltoid without bony deficiency, stiffness, or advanced arthropathy.